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Hammertoe is a contracture or bending of one or both joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth little toes. This abnormal bending can put pressure on the toe when wearing shoes, causing problems to develop. The toe joint curls due to muscle imbalance or tight tendons and without proper care they can become sore and difficult to move. After a thorough examination of your feet has been complete, your podiatrist can treat your hammertoes and improve your mobility by assessing the compromise of your movement. A podiatrist may suggest an X- ray to see the amount of deformity as well.
There are two types of hammer toes:
Flexible
A flexible hammer toe can be straightened out by the fingers and does not cause pain.
Rigid
A rigid hammer toe cannot be moved and is often painful, restricting normal movement.
Mild symptoms may be eased by a simple change in shoes, or by the use of a splint to hold the toe in firm position. But severe symptoms will most likely require surgery. For a flexible hammer toe, surgery involves cutting a tight tendon and repositioning it. But for a rigid hammer toe, it involves removing a section of bone to help straighten the toe. Most hammer toe surgeries are outpatient and require minimal healing time.
To reduce the risk of hammer toes, always wear proper fitted shoes that are wide and long enough for all your toes to fit comfortably. With proper care from your podiatrist you can be free from hammer toe pain.
Phone: (505) 883-6600 |info@angelafootdoctor.com
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“Dr Drury,
I thought I’d drop you a note and thank you again for hanging in there with me to get over my foot issues – primarily the plantar fasciitis. I’ve got great news to report as my husband and I did an extremely difficult hike at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon a few weeks ago and my foot was fine (other muscle groups were not quite ready for the level of difficulty). The hike was 9.4 miles with major elevation changes. Over this weekend, we did a 27 mile bike ride in Valle Caldera Preserve and again the foot held up fine. It is so wonderful to be back doing the outdoor activities I enjoy.
Truthfully, I’m also be glad to be wearing my cute shoes again a few days a week.
The APC treatment was amazing, I can’t believe the success I’ve had since having the treatment last November. As you know, I went through the cortisone shots with no success and we were starting to consider surgery. The APC treatment eliminated that need.
Thank you again to you and your staff for the part you played in my recovery. I recommend you and your staff to anyone I meet having foot issues.”
Ann Swancer