Hammertoes: Understanding, Prevention, and Treatment with Dr. Neda Arjomandi

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity that affects the second, third, or fourth toe. It occurs when the toe bends abnormally at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like appearance. This can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty wearing shoes.

What Causes Hammertoe?

Several factors can contribute to the development of hammertoe, including:

• Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes that are too tight, narrow, or have high heels can force the toes into an unnatural position, leading to muscle imbalances and joint deformities.
• Genetics: Some people are more prone to hammertoe due to inherited foot structures or muscle imbalances.
• Foot Injuries: Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing or jamming, can disrupt the toe's alignment and contribute to hammertoe.
• Underlying Medical Conditions: Conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and nerve damage can also increase the risk of developing hammertoe.

Symptoms of Hammertoe

Recognizing the signs of hammertoe is important for early intervention and preventing further complications. Common symptoms include:

• Bent Toe: The most obvious symptom is a toe that bends abnormally at the middle joint.
• Pain and Discomfort: Pain may be felt on the top of the toe joint, especially when wearing shoes.
• Corns and Calluses: Rubbing against shoes can cause corns and calluses to develop on the top of the toe or on the tip of the toe.
• Difficulty Walking: In severe cases, hammertoe can make walking painful and difficult.

Preventing Hammertoe

While not all cases of hammertoe are preventable, you can take steps to reduce your risk:

• Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes that are wide and deep enough to accommodate your toes comfortably. Avoid high heels and pointed-toe shoes.
• Stretch and Strengthen: Regularly stretching and strengthening the muscles in your feet can help maintain flexibility and prevent imbalances.
• Address Underlying Conditions: If you have arthritis, diabetes, or other medical conditions that affect your feet, work with your doctor to manage these conditions and minimize their impact on your foot health.

Treatment for Hammertoe with Dr. Neda Arjomandi

At Laguna Woods Podiatry Group, board-certified podiatrist Dr. Neda Arjomandi offers a range of treatment options for hammertoe, depending on the severity of the condition:

• Conservative Treatments:
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  • Padding and Taping: Padding can cushion the affected toe, while taping can help realign the toe.
  • Custom Orthotics: Orthotics can provide support and correct biomechanical issues that may be contributing to the hammertoe.
  • Exercises: Specific exercises can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in your feet.
• Surgical Treatments:
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  • Tendon Transfer: This procedure involves repositioning tendons to help straighten the toe.
  • Joint Resection: In some cases, a portion of the bone may be removed to correct the deformity.
  • Fusion: This involves fusing the bones of the toe joint together to provide stability.

Don't let hammertoe cramp your style! If you're experiencing pain or discomfort from hammertoe, contact Dr. Arjomandi at Laguna Woods Podiatry Group for an evaluation and personalized treatment plan. Call today at 949-581-2520 to schedule your appointment.

We proudly serve patients throughout Orange County, including: Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano.