SYMPTOMS
A hammertoe is a condition in which one or more toes appear to be "bent" or "curled." This condition may cause redness, callus or aching pain in and around the toes. Some individuals tend to get callus at the tip of the toe, blood under the toe nail or pain around the nail itself. Other individuals may suffer from shin splints or leg pain due to an imbalance in the leg muscles that end in the toes. Hammertoes are a progressive condition that can worsen over time. The toes may start to "stiffen" up as arthritis sets in, create shoe fitting problems or cause the patient to walk differently.
EVALUATION
We will discuss your symptoms and activity as it relates to your condition. We will then examine, palpate and perform range of motion exercises to determine the extent of the deformity. We will probably perform gait analysis or observe your feet and legs throughout the walking cycle.
TREATMENT
Conservative treatment includes padding, proper shoe gear, and custom functional foot orthoses.
If conservative measures fail, then an outpatient procedure can be performed to correct the deformity and realign the toe.
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