Having a hammer toe is more common than you would think it is. Hammer toe is a muscle or orthopaedic deformity, occurring in the toe nails, in which the joint on one of the toes is pointed upward instead of lying flat. In most cases, the toe next to the big toe or next to the smallest one are affected.
Why does hammer toe happen?
Hammer toe occurs when the muscle of one toe becomes weak and creates pressure on the adjoining tendons and toe joints. This is why the toe becomes misshapen and points upward at the joint. This outgrowth can be painful. The situation gets worse when the toe is pressed against the shoe.
Cure and prevention:
Sometimes people do not pay attention to this kind of minor deformity, but if it is painful, it is best to seek out a hammer toe treatment in Baltimore. It not only cures your deformed toe, but also gives you a nice and shapely foot to show off in a nice pair of sandals. Even though hammer toe could be the result of genetics, there are some things you could do to prevent and cure it:
1. Do not wear narrow shoes:
If you do not want to go through hammer toes surgery in baltimore, start by wearing sensible shoes. It is obvious that there are a lot of stylish shoes for men and women. Whereas men’s shoes are comfortable to wear, shoes for women tend to be impractical. The width of women’s shoes can be very restricting to give the shoe a sleek look. Women cram their feet into narrow and ill-fitting shoes for fashion. However, remember that you must always wear shoes with a good arch support and a wide toe box to promote healthy feet. If you have hammer toes, you should always wear sensible shoes to start with. If you are confused regarding how to choose shoes, you can consult any good podiatrist.
2. Foot exercises:
Though the best option to get rid of this condition is to get a hammer toe surgery, podiatrists often suggest some efficient foot exercises that you can practise to remove a hammer toe or to prevent the development of one. The major cause behind hammer toes is the weakness of the toe muscles. Podiatrists prescribe exercises that help strengthen your toe muscles and keep your feet supple and active. Exercises such as curling the toes, extending the toes, moving, and spreading the toes are good exercises that could slow the process of hammer toe generation.
3. Using a pumice stone to clean:
On the top of the hammer toes, there might be a formation of corn or callus that could cause discomfort during shoe time. So, it is suggested by the top podiatrists, one can clean the corn formation with a pumice stone or file after a warm bath. This way, the size of the corn will be reduced, so will the discomfort.
These are the three ways to cure and prevent hammer toes. If you are experiencing discomfort due to hammer toes, contact a Baltimore podiatrist for treatment today.
Time to See a Podiatrist?
If you have any of the issues described above, it’s time to consult an expert. Connect with Podiatry Associates for an evaluation. All of our doctors are board certified/qualified and we’re dedicated to preserving your foot health.
