Did you know that more than 40% of people in India have a foot condition of some kind? Foot disorders, from corns to diabetic neuropathy, are standard nationwide (Source). But do you know that there is another foot issue that haunts many people in India? Well, that is hammer toe. If you are also suffering from such an issue, then feel free to visit the best podiatrist in Kolkata.
What is a hammertoe? Hammertoes are a standard foot issue where toe joints bend, causing the toes to point up instead of lying flat. This condition typically affects the second joint of the lesser toes, not the big toe.
A mild hammertoe may not hinder walking, but if untreated, it can worsen and become permanently curled. In severe cases, the toes may appear stuck in an upside-down V shape. The name “hammertoe” comes from the resemblance of the affected toes to a hammer shape. Not many people are indeed aware of it.
If you are someone who is eager to know more facts about hammertoe, then landing on our blog will help you out. Here we are going to discuss the basic of the hammertoe issue and also how you can effectively fix it. So, let’s start the topic with the different types of the hammer toe.
Various Types of Hammertoe Issues
There are basically three types of hammertoes, and these are flexible hammertoes, semi-rigid hammertoes, and rigid hammertoes. Now, let’s quickly review them in detail.
- Flexible hammertoes
The toe remains mobile at the joint, indicating that it’s still in the early stage of the condition. The symptoms typically include mild pain, and it’s common to see the development of corns or calluses as well.
- Semi-rigid hammertoes
The toe has a limited range of motion, trading flexibility with rigidity. Symptoms are increasing pain, especially when in shoes.
- Rigid hammertoes
The curled position is frozen in the most sophisticated hammertoes. Your toes won’t be able to uncurl at all. Surgery is more likely to be necessary for rigid hammertoes.
These are some of the different types of the hammertoes that people generally experience. So, if you are experience any one of them then do visit to the best foot specialist doctor near your location. But why do a person come across this issue have you ever wonder that. If you do not know and want to know about that in detail, then in the next section, we will discuss that.
Various Causes for The Hammertoes
- If you wear improper shoe wear
High heels and constricting shoes that tuck the toes in always cause them to become bent. Shoes that are too short or narrow constantly jam the toes into abnormal positions, and over some time, this becomes uncomfortable and an easily preventable problem.
- If you ever experience trauma or any injury
Past injuries to the toe, such as jamming, stubbing, or breaking, often result in abnormal positioning and muscle dysfunction.
- Sometimes, muscles get imbalanced.
A harmonious tension of muscles, tendons, and ligaments masterfully governs each toe. When this tension is lost—whether to flat feet, high arches, or neuromuscular disorders—the toe can twist and eventually stiffen. If you are also facing such an issue, feel free to visit the best foot specialist doctor.
- Have any neurological issue
Conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, cerebral palsy, and stroke are recognized to cause muscle imbalances that lead to hammertoe.
- People who have arthritis
Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can develop joint damage and deformities, including hammertoe.
- People who have toe length discrepancy
When the big toe is shorter than the second toe, the latter is predisposed to be bent or forced upwards in shoes, which goes a long way in causing hammertoe.
These are some of the reasons why people experience hammertoe, and if you detect this issue, then it can be treated in a timely manner. But how to fix the hammertoe? If that is the question is revolving in your mind then in the next paragraph it will clarify with some brief explanation.
Various Ways to Treat Hammertoe
- Use pads and tape
To reduce pressure, use over-the-counter (OTC) toe pads to cushion the region surrounding your toes. In order to keep your toes in the proper position, your doctor may advise applying medical tape.
- Usage of proper footwear
Avoid tight, narrow, high-heeled shoes. Select shoes that are at least half an inch longer than your longest toe and have a soft, roomy toe box. Check out for shoes with a deep toe box to accommodate a hammer toe. Sandals may also be beneficial if they don’t pinch or rub your feet.
- Do some proper exercise.
Specific exercises will help loosen up your hammertoes and keep your affected joints from locking, even though they are stiff and challenging to move. The “towel scrunch” is one of the best hammertoe workouts.
To begin, take off your socks and lay a towel under your foot on the floor. Next, “scrunch” or pull the towel up with your toes. Let go and let the towel return to its original position. Twice a day, perform this exercise eight to twelve times on each foot.
- Have a surgery
Surgery is often only suggested by your podiatrist if walking becomes excruciatingly painful or if no other therapies are able to alleviate your problems. You will learn what to anticipate and what kind of surgery you will require from your physician or surgeon.
- Over-the-counter remedies
Pain can be reduced by using non-medicated corn pads, cushions, or straps that are sold commercially. Before trying any self-treatment, consult your doctor if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or even a lack of feeling in your feet.
Hammer toes are a prevalent foot deformity that, if left untreated, can be painful and difficult to walk. Root causes involve poorly fitting shoes, muscle imbalances, and medical conditions. In most cases, the use of proper footwear and exercises can heal hammer toes without surgery. Surgery will help when the problem becomes severe and causes pain and loss of function. Taking preventive measures ensures healthy, pain-free feet.
Closing Thoughts
After reading this article, we hope that all your queries regarding the hammertoe are solved. If you have ever experienced this issue and need to visit the best foot care clinic, then CuraFoot is there for you. We have the best professionals who will help you provide the best treatment and help you get out of the situation. So, what are you waiting for? Be an early bird and book an appointment with us now.
