Consult Dr. Elizabeth Hofmeister or Dr. Rebecca Hodulik of Prairie Rock Foot and Ankle Clinic if you are seeking treatment for hammertoes in Manteno, IL.

What Are Hammertoes?

The feet are some of the hardest working parts of the body. If you don’t keep a close eye on your feet, you may miss some unusual developments hinting at significant issues. To be more specific, you may not notice the prominent bends indicating that you have hammertoes.

For those unfamiliar with the term, a hammertoe refers to a deformity that changes the structure and appearance of a toe. It involves the middle joint of a toe becoming permanently bent.

A hammertoe is usually caused by a muscle imbalance that causes the middle toe joint to remain bent for extended periods. As that imbalance persists, some of the connective tissues and muscles in your toe may grow weaker. If they become too weak, they will fail to keep your toe in its intended position.

Ill-fitting shoes are usually responsible for creating the muscle imbalance that leads to hammertoes. While wearing tight shoes, some of your toes may bend as they bunch together. Since your shoes must stay on most of the day, your toes may remain bent for hours.

Injuries can also make you more susceptible to hammertoes. A direct blow to the toe joint can weaken it considerably. Now that your toe is weaker, it may not move like it usually does. That issue can create a troublesome muscle imbalance.

Hammertoes can affect more than the appearance of your feet. They can also cause pain while you’re wearing shoes. Your toe joint may also start swelling. Eventually, moving around may turn into a challenge because you cannot move your toes properly. Work with Dr. Hofmeister or Dr. Hodulik of Prairie Rock Foot and Ankle Clinic if you wish to receive effective treatment for hammertoes in Manteno, IL.

What Are the Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Hammertoes?

Surgery is only necessary for hammertoes if they are completely stuck. You can address your condition before it reaches that point by trying non-surgical treatments.

Start by consulting a podiatrist and getting a recommendation for new shoes. If you cannot get new shoes, ask for orthotics to keep your toes comfortable.

Exercising your hammertoes can also help them return to normal. Develop a routine of stretching your toes to maintain their flexibility. You can also strengthen your toes by using them to pick up objects. Ask your podiatrist about exercises you can perform to reverse your unsightly and painful hammertoes.

Find the Right Podiatrist Near You Today

Dial 815-468-7117 and speak to Dr. Hofmeister or Dr. Hodulik of Prairie Rock Foot and Ankle Clinic to schedule your treatment for hammertoes in Manteno, IL.