Hammertoe is a change in the joint of one or more of your toes, which leads to it being in a bent position all the time. Kenneth Meisler, DPM, PLLC & Associates on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City provides professional hammertoe treatments and preventive care. To find out more about treatments for hammertoe, call Kenneth Meisler, DPM, PLLC & Associates or book an appointment online today.

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What is hammertoe?

Hammertoe is a condition that arises when the muscles, joints, and tendons in one or more of your toes fall out of balance, which results in the toe permanently bending at the joint. In its earliest stages, hammertoe is more flexible and you might still be able to move the joint a little when you try. In later stages, the joints stiffen up and the toe becomes more rigid.

Hammertoes are highly common, and most people find that they don’t disrupt their ability to stand or walk. However, you might get more corns and callouses than usual when you have hammertoe because of the toe’s new positioning within your shoe. It’s also possible to aggravate the rigid joint and experience some discomfort or swelling as a result.

How did I get hammertoe?

Kenneth Meisler, DPM, PLLC & Associates examines your hammertoe and can help you explore the possible causes behind it. There are several notable causes of hammertoe that can all contribute together to the condition. You might have one or more hammertoes because of:

Shoes that fit poorly

The way your shoes fit can affect the musculature of your foot and lead to imbalances like hammertoe. Shoes that are too tight in the toe, too narrow, or high-heeled can all contribute to the imbalance.

Genetics

If you have family members with hammertoe, you might be more prone to getting it too.

Neuromuscular disease

Neuromuscular diseases can contribute to hammertoe or make it worse. Neuropathy, for example, can prevent you from feeling hammertoe or complications like callouses.

Trauma

Traumatic injuries of the foot are lower on the list of common hammertoe causes, but they can happen.

How can I fix my hammertoe?

Kenneth Meissler, DPM, PLLC & Associates helps you explore the treatments available for your hammertoe. One of their initial suggestions is always to find shoes that support your feet and give your toes plenty of space. They might also recommend custom orthotics to cushion and support your feet.

Taping your toes in a specific way can help improve the balance among the muscles in your feet, and special padding can protect your toes form further irritation like corns and callouses.

If none of these other measures improve your hammertoe, surgery is available for painful or disruptive cases of hammertoe that don’t respond to other treatments.

To learn more about hammertoe and explore treatments, call Kenneth Meisler, DPM, PLLC & Associates or book an appointment online today.