It depends. The most common methods of treating painful hammertoes in Philadelphia involve changing footwear and allowing the bunched and bent toes to relax naturally. However, your course of treatment will depend on the type of hammertoe you have, how much pain it is currently causing you, and if you have any additional conditions that increase your health risks.
First, your Phoenixville podiatrist will determine which kind of hammertoe you are suffering from. There are generally two kinds:
- Flexible hammertoes. Your podiatrist may try to move your toe at the joint where it is bent. If it will move, it is a flexible hammertoe—an early-stage version of the condition. Mild hammertoe cases may be corrected with non-surgical treatment options.
- Rigid hammertoes. If your hammertoe cannot be moved or flexed, it means the tendons in the toe have become rigid. If they have progressed to this point, the ligaments are unlikely to relax on their own, and they are pressing the joint out of alignment. Patients usually need surgery to correct a rigid hammertoe.
The most common surgical procedure for a hammertoe involves snipping the tendon underneath the toe, allowing it to lay flat. If the patient is diabetic or has poor circulation, surgery may be needed to avoid persistent foot ulcers—a common source of infection that can lead to amputation or even early death.
For more information on treating painful foot conditions, call the trusted podiatrists at HealthMark Foot & Ankle Associates today at 610-565-3668 in Media or 610-933-8644 in Phoenixville to set up your first consultation. To learn how to take great care of your feet, click the link at the top of this page and we’ll send you a FREE copy of our book, The Foot is Not an Island: Recognizing Vitamin D Deficiency & How to Correct It.