Hammer Toes Treatment
Hammer toes are a common foot deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, resembling a hammer or claw. This condition can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty with wearing shoes. At Axis Foot & Ankle, your top rated foot doctor in Monmouth County, we offer a comprehensive approach to treating hammer toes to alleviate symptoms, improve foot function, and prevent progression.
Here’s a detailed guide to the treatments we provide:
1. Diagnosis and Evaluation:
- Purpose: Confirm the presence of hammer toes and assess their severity.
- Description: Your podiatrist will conduct a physical examination of your feet, assessing the alignment of your toes, flexibility of the joints, and any associated symptoms. X-rays may be ordered to evaluate the extent of deformity and rule out other underlying conditions.
2. Conservative Treatments:
a. Footwear Modification:
- Purpose: Reduce pressure and accommodate toe deformities.
- Description: Wear shoes with a wide and deep toe box to provide ample space for toes to move freely. Avoid high heels or narrow, pointed shoes that can exacerbate hammer toe deformities and cause pain.
b. Toe Exercises and Stretching:
- Purpose: Improve flexibility and strengthen muscles.
- Description: Perform toe exercises recommended by your podiatrist to stretch and strengthen toe muscles. These exercises can help improve toe alignment and reduce the severity of hammer toes over time.
c. Orthotic Devices:
- Purpose: Provide support and relieve pressure on affected toes.
- Description: Custom orthotic inserts or pads may be prescribed to cushion the toe joints and redistribute pressure away from the deformity. Orthotics can also help maintain proper alignment of the foot and prevent worsening of hammer toes.
d. Toe Splinting or Taping:
- Purpose: Correct toe alignment and relieve discomfort.
- Description: Your podiatrist may recommend splints or toe straps to straighten and realign the affected toes. These devices are worn regularly to gradually correct the deformity and improve toe position.
3. Medications:
a. Pain Relief Medications:
- Purpose: Manage pain and inflammation.
- Description: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be recommended to reduce pain and swelling associated with hammer toes during flare-ups.
4. Surgical Intervention:
- Purpose: Correct severe deformities or persistent symptoms.
- Description: If conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgical correction (such as tendon release, joint repositioning, or fusion) may be considered to straighten the affected toes and alleviate pain. Your podiatrist will discuss the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes of surgery based on your individual condition.
5. Patient Education and Prevention:
- Purpose: Empower patients to manage hammer toes and prevent recurrence.
- Description: Educate on proper foot care practices, including the importance of wearing supportive footwear, performing toe exercises, and avoiding activities that exacerbate hammer toe symptoms. Regular monitoring of toe alignment and seeking prompt treatment for new symptoms can help prevent progression of the deformity.
6. Follow-Up Care:
- Purpose: Monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.
- Description: Schedule follow-up visits as recommended by your podiatrist to assess the effectiveness of treatments, adjust orthotic devices or exercise programs, and address any new or recurring symptoms of hammer toes.
Why Choose Axis Foot & Ankle?
- Expert Hammer Toes Treatment: Our podiatrists specialize in advanced diagnosis and treatment of hammer toes with personalized care plans.
- Compassionate Patient Care: We prioritize your comfort and well-being throughout your entire treatment journey.
- Comprehensive Hammer Toes Care: From conservative therapies to surgical options and preventive education, our comprehensive approach effectively manages hammer toes and enhances your foot health.
If you are experiencing discomfort or difficulty due to hammer toes in Tinton Falls, Rumson, Highlands, or nearby areas in New Jersey, contact Axis Foot & Ankle at 732-790-5599