Expert Hammer Toe Treatment at Progressive Foot Care
Welcome to Progressive Foot Care, where our experienced podiatrist specialize in treating hammer toes, helping you to achieve relief from pain and restore functionality to your toes.
Understanding Hammer Toes
Hammer toe is a deformity where a toe bends downward at the middle joint, causing it to resemble a hammer. This condition typically affects the second, third, or fourth toes and can become painful due to the abnormal position of the toe. Hammer toes can be caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, muscle imbalance, or other underlying health conditions.
Symptoms of Hammer Toes
- A toe that bends downward
- Corns or calluses on the top of the middle joint of the toe
- Pain in the toe when wearing shoes
- Difficulty walking
- Inability to flex the foot or move the affected toe
Our Hammer Toe Treatments
Conservative Treatments:
- Custom Orthotics: Designed to relieve pressure and pain and help correct the position of the toe.
- Padding and Taping: Specific taping techniques can help correct the misaligned toe.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling.
Surgical Options:
- Tendon Release: This surgery involves cutting the tendons or ligaments in the toe to help straighten it.
- Joint Resection: Part of the joint may be removed to allow the toe to lie flat.
- Fusion Surgery: The bones in the toe are fused to prevent the condition from worsening.
Why Choose Progressive Foot Care?
- Expertise: Our podiatrists are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating foot deformities, including hammer toes.
- Personalized Care: We tailor treatments to meet the unique needs of each patient, considering all aspects of their foot health.
- Advanced Treatment Options: We offer the latest surgical and non-surgical treatments to provide the best outcomes.
- Comprehensive Support: From the initial consultation through to post-operative care, we ensure you receive the guidance and support needed for a full recovery.
Schedule Your Hammer Toe Consultation Today
Don’t let hammer toes affect your quality of life. Contact Progressive Foot Care today to schedule your consultation with New York’s best podiatrist, Dr. Mandanipour. We’re here to help you step comfortably and confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hammer Toe Treatment
Q1: What is a hammer toe?
A1: A hammer toe is a deformity of the second, third, or fourth toes. In this condition, the toe is bent at the middle joint, so that it resembles a hammer. It often results from wearing ill-fitting shoes, muscle imbalance, or other genetic and environmental factors.
Q2: What are the symptoms of hammer toes?
A2: Symptoms include a visible bend in the middle joint of the toe, corns or calluses from the toe rubbing against the shoe, pain when moving the toe or wearing shoes, and swelling or redness around the affected toe.
Q3: Are there non-surgical treatments for hammer toes?
A3: Yes, non-surgical treatments for hammer toes can include wearing roomier, more comfortable shoes, using custom orthotic devices to relieve pressure and pain, and using non-medicated pads to cushion the corns and calluses. Exercises to stretch and strengthen the toes might also be recommended.
Q4: When is surgery needed for hammer toes?
A4: Surgery may be considered when the pain of a hammer toe prevents you from walking properly or when you are unable to flex your toe. Surgery is typically recommended only after non-surgical methods have failed to relieve pain or improve toe flexibility.
Q5: What are the types of surgical treatments available for hammer toes?
A5: Surgical options include tendon release or transfer, which relieves the tension causing the toe to curl; joint resection, which involves removing part of the joint to allow the toe to straighten; and fusion, where the bones in the joint are permanently fused to maintain the correct position.
Q6: What is the recovery time after hammer toe surgery?
A6: Recovery time can vary, but generally, patients can walk in a special surgical shoe immediately after surgery. Full recovery, including the ability to wear regular shoes, may take several weeks to months depending on the extent of the surgery and individual healing rates.
Q7: Can hammer toes come back after treatment?
A7: Hammer toes can recur, especially if you do not follow recommended foot care practices post-treatment, such as wearing appropriate footwear and using orthotic devices. Continuous monitoring and preventive care are essential.
Q8: How can I prevent hammer toes?
A8: Preventive measures include wearing shoes that fit properly and offer enough room for your toes, avoiding high heels and shoes with pointed toes, and maintaining good foot strength and flexibility through regular exercises.