Symptoms of Hammer Toes

Podiatry ExamFeet are incredibly important, in that they help you get from place to place. Additionally, in a warm climate like Los Angeles, feet are frequently on display in sandals or at the beach. If you’re suffering from hammertoes, you may experience not only pain or imbalance when walking and performing other activities but also displeasure over your foot’s appearance. This is where the board-certified podiatrists at La Peer Health Systems can help.

Feet are incredibly important, in that they help you get from place to place. Additionally, in a warm climate like Los Angeles, feet are frequently on display in sandals or at the beach. If you’re suffering from hammertoes, you may experience not only pain or imbalance when walking and performing other activities but also displeasure over your foot’s appearance. This is where the board-certified podiatrists at La Peer Health Systems can help.

Hammertoe Anatomy

Hammertoe is a deformity of the foot in which an enlarged middle toe joint causes the toe to bend in a downward direction. It is called hammertoe because the bent toe can resemble a hammer in its shape. Other people will observe that their toe has a claw-like appearance. As the condition worsens, the joint can enlarge further, stiffening as it comes into contact with the shoe.

Causes of Hammertoe

Many cases of hammertoe are caused by improper footwear. Shoes that are too narrow or too high in the heel may cause the toes to bend. Over time, the toes can become fixed in these unnatural positions, and the foot muscles are unable to bend them back into place. Hammertoe can also result from muscle imbalances and other factors, so it’s important to see a skilled podiatrist about your condition.

Hammertoe Diagnosis

Hammertoe is a simple condition for an experienced podiatrist to diagnose. The doctor will examine your foot, looking for toes bent into a claw-like position. Hammertoe may affect any toe on the foot, but it usually impacts the second toe. The doctor may also order x-rays, as hammertoe can involve bone deformity.

Hammertoe Treatment

Hammertoe can be treated with a simple outpatient surgical procedure. The surgeon will relax the tissue of the foot and help reposition the toes to a more normal setting. This relatively easy procedure can relieve the pain and unsightly appearance associated with hammertoe, while leaving the patient free to return to normal activity the very same day. Learn more about hammertoe surgery on our Foot and Ankle Surgery Center of Excellence website.

Hammertoe Surgery Recovery

Hammertoe surgery is an outpatient procedure with a remarkably fast recovery rate. Generally, patients can walk again on the same day they have surgery with the aid of a protective boot. Pain from hammertoe surgery is usually minimal, lasting only 48-72 hours, and most patients tolerate it well with the help of over-the-counter pain medications.

Contact a Surgeon at La Peer Health Systems Today!

From walking to dancing, we use our feet in a multitude of ways, and for this reason proper foot health is essential to living a full and meaningful life. If you think you may be suffering from hammertoe, it is crucial that you contact a skilled podiatrist.

At La Peer Health System’s Podiatry Department, we employ a highly experienced team of doctors and nurses to help with all your foot health needs and are widely regarded as one of the best foot surgery centers in the country.