Suffering from Hammertoes?
How your podiatrists in Springfield, and Decatur, IL, can help you get relief from hammertoes
Hammertoes are a common and painful toe condition. They can make it difficult to wear shoes, stand, and walk. Fortunately, your podiatrist is an expert at treating hammertoes, so you and your toes can feel better.
The podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Center Of Illinois provide a wide range of footcare services, including treatment of hammertoes. They have several convenient office locations in Springfield, and Decatur, IL, to help you.
A hammertoe looks like a hammer because your toe joint bends outward and can rub against the inside of your shoe. Hammertoes most frequently occur in the second, third, or fourth toe and can be caused by:
- A muscle or tendon imbalance
- Pressure from a bunion
- A traumatic injury to your toe
- Wearing narrow shoes that crush your toes together
- Degenerative joint conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
You can try a few simple remedies if you think you might be developing a hammertoe. Try:
- Stretching each toe individually with your fingers
- Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication
- Wearing wide shoes with room for your toes
- Wearing open-toed shoes or sandals
- Picking up items from the floor with your toes
- Placing cushions or pads in your shoes
For moderate to severe hammertoe pain that isn’t resolved with home remedies, you need to see your podiatrist. Common professional treatments for hammertoe include:
- Custom orthotics or footwear to correct a muscle/tendon imbalance
- Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain
- Splints to straighten and realign your toe joint and toe
- Surgical treatment for severe cases of hammertoe
To read more detailed information about hammertoes, please visit the hammertoe section on the website by clicking here.
To learn more about hammertoes and hammertoe treatment, call the podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Center Of Illinois. You can reach them in any of their office locations in Springfield, and Decatur, IL, by calling (217) 787-2700, so call now.