After years of wearing high heels with pointy toe boxes, or other ill-fitting shoes, many women develop hammertoes in the second and third toe. A raised bump forms on the joint of the toe, which then rubs against the top of your shoe and can become painful. One of the first things you can do to alleviate some of the discomfort is to find shoes that do not aggravate the condition. Look for shoes with a lower heel, wider toe box and softer material on top. It is also a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine your foot and assess the need for orthotics to help align your foot as you walk. This can improve mobility and alleviate pressure around the toes. In some cases, surgery can help to correct the condition. Your podiatrist will be able to determine the best course of treatment for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.