(410) 721-4505
2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25
Crofton, MD 21114
If you’ve ever looked at your feet and notice your toes bending at the joints, you may have hammertoes. Hammertoes is a condition caused by an imbalance of the muscles, bones and ligaments that keep your toes straight.
There are a few things you can do short of surgery including stretching your toes before you put your shoes on, making sure you have proper fitting shoes, using a store-bought insole, adding padding and taking a pain med like Tylenol. A podiatrist can administer a cortisone shot for pain. Your podiatrist can also fashion a custom orthotic for you.
If none of them help, then you may need surgery. If so, you podiatrist will confirm this with you. Surgery could include the following:
If you believe you have hammertoes and they ate bothering you or have any other concerns about your feet, make an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll. He will assess your feet and find the appropriate treatments. Call Crofton Podiatry at (410) 721-4505, which provides services to Crofton, Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie, MD areas.
If your toes look different from other people’s toes, there’s a good chance that you have a toe deformity. It can make you uncomfortable to take off your shoes or wear open-toed sandals. Read on to see what kind of toe deformity you might have – and to see if they can be helped.
Bunions and Tailor’s bunions – With this type of deformity, the big toe joint (or the small toe joint) is enlarged. Pressure on the big or small toe joints causes a bony spur to develop. You’ll notice a bump on the side of the joint, which can be painful if it is not cushioned in your shoes. Additionally, bunions can cause the big toes to point toward the other toes, rather than straight.
Hammertoes – When shoes do not fit properly and the toes are cramped, toes can become bent. The muscles in the toes become tight and can eventually become rigid. Toes form a bent shape and can appear clenched, which is where the name of the deformity comes from. The unnatural shape can make it more likely for you to have pain from corns at the bent joint.
Claw Toe – Certain diseases that damage nerves can cause foot muscles to weaken. This condition causes the toes to curl downward in a claw-like shape. When they are bent out of shape, the joints can become irritated and cause corns to develop.
Curly toes, underlapping, and overlapping toes – These deformities are usually present from birth and can be treated early as the foot develops.
Not all toe deformities are necessarily painful. However, they can cause long-term stress and side effects like corns. Exercising the toes can be very beneficial and can help reduce symptoms. If you need help improving your toe health and confidence, come to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505. Our foot care team is ready to assist you and your family at our Crofton, MD office. We also serve the surrounding areas of Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie, MD.
2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25
Crofton, MD 21114