What Are Hammer Toes? Information From a Foot Doctor

Wondering whether you should make a hammer toes appointment with a podiatrist so you can know for sure whether or not you have hammer toes? Good idea. When you do, during your appointment you will receive all of the information you need to understand your current foot-related condition. You can also feel free to ask any questions you have, which is going to allow you to understand more about your feet and how to properly take care of them.

ABOUT FOOT DOCTORS

Finding out about hammer toes, as well as the many ways a podiatrist can help you is smart. Podiatrists are doctors of podiatric medicine, which means they are able to diagnose and treat any conditions affecting the foot, ankle and leg. This type of health professional has completed four years of training in a podiatrist medical school and then has gone on to complete another three years of residency training in a hospital. Many choose to focus in a particular area, like sports medicine, pediatrics and surgery.

WHAT ARE HAMMER TOES?

Hammer toes are a term used to describe when someone’s second, third or fourth toe becomes deformed. The deformity occurs when a toe is bent up at the middle joint, making it take on the shape of a hammer. There are quite a few causes of hammer toes, including but not limited to being diagnosed with arthritis, undergoing a dramatic toe injury, wearing shoes that do not fit properly, having a very high foot arch and constant pressure from an existing bunion.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF HAMMER TOES

Some of the more common hammer toes symptoms include an obvious deformity of the toe, discomfort and/or pain, redness or swelling around the joint areas, corns, calluses, difficulty walking and overall stiffness in the toes joints. In order for a foot doctor to diagnose a case of hammer toes in one a patient, they will ask the patient a lot of questions, perform a physical examination and possibly take X-rays of the foot.

HOW CAN A PODIATRIST HELP?

Only after a podiatrist fully examines a patient will it be possible for them to determine the type of treatment option necessary to address a patients hammer toe diagnosis. Some of the more common treatment options include wearing a certain type of shoe, wearing custom orthotics, performing certain types of exercises, taping the toe in its correct position and undergoing surgery to correct the toe deformity.

AT-HOME CARE FOR HAMMER TOES

Patients who have mild cases of hammer toe may be able to control any discomfort and/or pain they are experiencing using at-home care options. Some of the more common whole remedies for addressing milder cases include putting pads around the toe, using an ice pack to help reduce any soreness or swelling and taking over the counter medications to help reduce any pain and/or inflammation.

NEED HAMMER TOE TREATMENT?

Got hammer toes? Need to see our experienced podiatrist so you can learn whether or not you are indeed living with hammer toes? There are a few different types of treatment options available and which one is used to help you will depend on your particular situation. The sooner you call us for a consultation appointment, the sooner you can find out what can be done about your case of hammer toes.

Are you considering a podiatrist in the San Jose area? Get more information at https://footdoctorinsanjose.com

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