Hammertoes
Hammertoe is a type of toe abnormality. It is marked by tendon contracture, ligament laxity and angulation of toe phalanges. It usually affects the second, third and fourth toes bending them permanently. Hammertoes can be painful especially when the toe joints become dislocated. A hammertoe starts out as a mild deformity. Over time it gets worse. In the initial stages, a hammertoe is flexible. Accordingly, the symptoms can be managed using such non invasive measures as wearing proper fitting shoes.
Causes of hammertoes
Hammertoes are mostly caused by wearing shoes that are ill fitting. High heels, short footgear, shoes with tapered toes and those with narrow and pointed toes force toes into bent positions. Tight- fitting stocking, tight leotards and tight panty hose can also cause hammertoes. Bending toes for a prolonged time causes muscles to shorten resulting in hammertoes. Hammertoe is also caused by such conditions as rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, diabetes and osteoarthritis that cause damage to nerve joints and muscles. Individuals with hereditary contracture are genetically predisposed.
Treatment
Hammertoes treatment is largely conservative. Hammertoes are mostly treated using physical therapy. Exercises such as using the toes to lift things from the floor may help strengthen and stretch the toe muscles.
Podiatrists recommend that individuals use shoes that are soft and with toe boxes that are spacious enough. Your shoes ought to be at least an inch longer than the longest toe.
Where the condition is severe, podiatrists may recommend orthopedic surgery to correct toe abnormalities. In the surgery carried out under local anesthesia, the podiatrist files away small bone wedges from the contracture angle. Subsequently, splints are used to hold the toe in the correct position. The podiatrist may also recommend the use of silicone toe props, hammertoe crests and splints. While props prevent toes from contracting, the crests and the splints hold the toe down and this provides much needed relief to the fore-foot. Sometimes, podiatrists may use wires and pins to repair hammertoes that are extremely deformed. The doctor may place an implant inside the toe joint so as to maintain alignment.
Prevention
Podiatrists recommend that individuals use low-heeled wide fitted shoes. They discourage the use of tight fitting stockings, socks and tights. Individuals with hammertoes are advised to seek medical attention as soon as they notice the symptoms. This is because if untreated, they may become more rigid and fail to effectively respond to non surgical or non invasive treatment.
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