Hammertoes is a common foot condition that affects the toes and can be corrected by hammertoe treatment. It is characterized by an abnormal bending of one or more of the joints of the toes, causing them to curl or bend downward instead of pointing forward. It can lead to discomfort, pain, and strain wearing certain types of shoes.
The common cause of hammertoes is an imbalance in the muscles and tendons that control the movement of the toes.
The below case-based approach provides a general outline of the steps involved in managing hammertoes, but an individualized Houston Hammertoe Treatment plan approach is recommended .Jane, a 45-year-old woman, complained of pain and discomfort in her toes. She has noticed that her second and third toes on both feet have started to curl downward and have difficulty straightening them. The pain is exacerbated when she wears shoes, especially those with narrow toe boxes.
Initial evaluation
- The podiatrist assesses her medical history, including any previous foot injuries, family history of foot conditions, and the existence of other foot conditions such as arthritis.
- A physical examination evaluates the severity of the hammertoes, assesses muscle strength, and examines the overall foot structure.
- Imaging tests may be ordered to evaluate the bony structures of the toes and rule out other potential causes of the symptoms.
Non-surgical treatments
- When she contacted our podiatrist at DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center she was assured of pain-free feet. The podiatrist recommends shoes with a wide toe box and low heels to reduce pressure on the toes and provide more room for them to straighten.
- Orthotic devices, such as custom-made shoe inserts or toe splints, are prescribed to help realign the toes, relieve pain, and improve muscle balance.
- Jane performshammer toe exercises and stretches at home to strengthen her toe muscles and improve flexibility.
- The podiatrist guides on using padding or moleskin to reduce friction and pressure on the raised parts of the toe.
Medications
Jane uses over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to manage pain and reduce inflammation as needed.
Follow-up and monitoring
- Jane is scheduled for regular follow-up appointments to monitor the effectiveness of non-surgical treatments and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
- The podiatrist examines the condition of the toes, checks for any changes or complications, and addresses any concerns or questions Jane may have.
Surgical intervention
If the symptoms persist despite non-surgical treatments or if the hammertoes are causing significant pain or functional impairment, hammertoe surgery Houston intervention may be considered.
The podiatrist will discuss surgical options with Jane, including the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.
If Jane decides to proceed with surgery, the surgical technique will depend on the severity and characteristics of her hammertoes. The procedure may involve releasing or repositioning tendons, ligaments, or joints to correct the deformity.
It is important to note that the treatment approach varies depending on individual factors and the preference of the patient.
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