Do you have an abnormal bend of your toes that seems to cause pain and interferes with your ability even to wear shoes? You are probably suffering from a condition known as hammertoe Paramus, a foot deformity that develops when your muscles and ligaments get out of balance. Therefore, your toes will curl and stay in this position till you seek the necessary medical intervention. Hammertoes are of two types, with a rigid hammertoe affecting your ability to move your toe joint completely. The discussion below will highlight the treatment and prevention of hammertoes.
How Will You Know You Have Hammertoes?
You will begin by noticing a bend on one of your toes in a hammer or claw-like shape. Usually, it affects the second toe, but it can also affect the other small toes. You will develop discomfort when you wear shoes and start developing corns or calluses at the top of your affected joint. Open wounds may also begin to form on the top of your toe. Your doctor will recommend a thorough evaluation to confirm your hammertoe, and you may need an X-ray to determine the extent of the deformity.
How Can You Relieve the Pain and Discomfort of Hammertoes at Home?
Before seeing your doctor, you can practice some steps to relieve pain and discomfort from your hammertoes. Avoid heels higher than two inches, and wear appropriate shoes depending on your current activity. You can use non-medicated hammertoe pads to help relieve pressure from your painful toe. Gently massage your toe to relieve pain and pressure, and use ice packs on the swelling.
Can You Prevent Hammertoes From Developing?
You can reduce the possible occurrence of hammertoes by taking care of your feet. First, check your feet regularly, especially if you have diabetes and conditions that cause poor circulation and numbness in the toes. While sitting down, keep your feet elevated to promote good circulation. You can also stand up and stretch your feet and legs to keep blood flowing. Additionally, you can massage your feet regularly and use a warm foot bath.
What Are Your Medical Treatment Options?
Your doctor may prescribe drugs to reduce inflammation that causes swelling and pain. Sometimes, your doctor may recommend cortisone injections for acute pain relief. During your treatment, an orthotic provider can make you a customized shoe insert to help reduce pain and prevent the worsening of your hammertoe. OTC pads can also help reduce pain in your affected toe. Your doctor may recommend regular foot exercises to help restore balance to your feet. Your doctor may recommend removing a small piece of your bone for a less severe hammertoe and then realigning the joint. Your doctor may suggest surgery if your hammertoes do not resolve with medications, homecare tips, and feet exercises. Surgical options include arthroplasty, arthrodesis, and tendon transfer.
An imbalance in your muscle puts pressure on your toe joints, forcing your toe into a hammer-like shape. Therefore, you cannot walk around and even wear your nice shoes. Hammertoes are likely to develop when you wear shoes that do not fit, have bunions, high arches, and feet that rotate inward when you walk. Also, hammertoes are likely to develop if you have diabetes that causes poor circulation. Thus, you should always report your first sign of a foot issue as soon as you notice any worrying symptoms.
