Hammertoes

Wearing ill-fitting or uncomfortable shoes may increase your risk of hammertoes and other painful conditions. Fortunately, early intervention and treatment can ease symptoms and prevent the issue from worsening. At Babak Kosari, DPM Inc, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Babak Kosari, DPM, specializes in diagnosing and treating hammertoes. Call the nearest office in the neighborhood of Santa Clarita, California, or the Northridge neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, or book an appointment online today.

What are hammertoes?

A hammertoe causes one (or more) of your middle toes to stay bent in a curled position. It occurs because of an imbalance between the muscles and ligaments responsible for holding your toe straight.

People of all ages experience hammertoes, but they’re most common in those who wear tight shoes that squeeze the toes together.

What are the symptoms of hammertoes?

The symptoms of hammertoes include:

• A toe that stays bent
• Toe pain
• Corns or calluses on top of the affected toe
• Pain in the ball of your foot
• Joint swelling

If you have a hammertoe, you might also experience redness, bruising, or open sores on top of your toe. 

What causes hammertoes?

Hammertoes may occur for various reasons, including:

• Genes (a family history of hammertoes)
• Wearing uncomfortable shoes
• Neuromuscular diseases 
• Trauma

If you notice a toe that’s rigid and difficult to bend, reach out to Babak Kosari, DPM Inc right away.

How are hammertoes diagnosed?

To diagnose a hammertoe, your Babak Kosari, DPM Inc provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when you first noticed the bend in your toe, if it’s painful, and if it affects your ability to walk or exercise.

Next, your provider completes an exam. They press on your toe, checking for sensitive areas. Then, they move your toe from side to side, testing its muscle strength and range of motion. They also order a series of X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to get a closer look at your bones, joints, and the surrounding soft tissues.

How are hammertoes treated?

Treatment of hammertoes depends on various factors, including your age and the severity of your symptoms. Your Babak Kosari, DPM Inc provider might recommend:

• Insulating padding to reduce pressure
• Taping your shoes to relieve the muscle imbalance
• Corticosteroid injections
• Custom orthotics
• Shoe inserts

If your pain is severe and doesn’t improve with treatment, you might benefit from surgery. During hammertoe surgery, your provider realigns the bones in your toe and releases the ligament holding it in a bent position.

To explore all your treatment options for hammertoes, make an appointment at Babak Kosari, DPM Inc by calling the nearest office or booking online today.