Best Podiatrist in Plano, TX, Explains Hammertoes

Hammertoe is a foot deformity caused by wearing certain types of shoes that constrict the toes or by abnormal foot structure. The deformity is a bend in the middle joint in the toe, generally affecting the second, third, and fourth toes. Hammertoe can cause pain with movement and pressure on the joint. The best podiatrist in Plano, TX, explains more below.

Symptoms

This deformity causes an obvious bend in the middle joint of the toe. This can cause pain and difficulty moving the affected toe. Hammertoes often occur alongside corns and calluses. Risk factors for this condition include older age, gender (women are more likely to get hammertoes), long toes (as they tend to bend inside the shoe), arthritis, and diabetes.

Causes

Causes of hammertoe include:

Types of shoe. High heels, shoes without adequate toe room, and non-laced shoes can lead to hammertoes.
Injury. Hitting, stubbing, or otherwise injuring your toe can lead to the development of a hammertoe.
Abnormal toe muscles. If the tendon is too tight, this could be the cause of your toe being bent.

Prevention and Treatments

Buy shoes at the end of the day (when your feet are biggest) to ensure that your shoes fit properly and that you always have enough room. Avoiding high heels can also help prevent hammertoes.

If you are able to move your toe, treatments include getting well-fitting shoes and letting the toe straighten itself out. Orthotics may be recommended to provide extra support for your toes. There are certain exercises, such as picking up items with your toes, that our podiatrist may recommend to rebuild toe strength.

If these do not relieve your hammertoes, surgery may be necessary to release the tendon preventing your toe from lying flat. This can be discussed with our podiatrist during your evaluation.

Contact The Best Podiatrist in Plano, TX, Today To Find Out More!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about hammertoe and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact Dallas Podiatry Works, with a convenient podiatry office in Plano, TX, by calling 972.564.8556 or by clicking here.

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

Google User

Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.