Hammertoes: They aren't from the Hardware Store

Do you have any toes where your toe bones are curled to look like a hammer? This is a condition where the middle joint of your toe is bent, typically in your 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th toe. This condition can progressively become worse over time as a result of shoes that are too tight or high heels. When you are wearing your shoes that are either improperly fitted or too high, your toes are forced into a contracted position where your toes are essentially bunched up onto themselves. If this position is maintained, your muscles will eventually shorten and become stuck that way. Many people have this condition and it has no pain associated with it, but in some instances you may experience discomfort due to your toes pushing up against your shoes. In the cases where people experience pain from this condition, there are several different types of treatments that can be tried.

It is always best to try non-invasive treatment plans for any condition that you may have. There are fewer risks involved with these treatments and they allow you several options to consider. In the case of hammertoes, there are several noninvasive treatment plans such as padding, wider shoes or shorter heels. By coming into the office, you can be properly fitted for shoes to determine your correct shoe size and width. There have been several studies done that show that anywhere from 60-80% of the population are wearing the wrong size shoes. With hammertoes, it is important to get the proper sized shoes so that your toes have room to expand to their proper length. The other option is padding. With the proper shoe depth, if there is still pain on the top of your toe joints, padding can be used to help prevent the toes from hitting the top of your shoes. In some instances though, padding and changing your shoes may not help relieve the condition. In these instances, the next option is surgery to elongate the joint and remove it from its contracted position.

If you or someone you know is dealing with this condition and you live in the Methuen, North Andover, Burlington, Lowell, or Bradford Massachusetts area, please feel free to contact our office. Our staff would be more than happy to get you an appointment and assist you with your condition.