Have your toes — all of them except your big toe — started to look different, like they’ve fallen out of alignment? Do they seem to face every which way and bend in the middle?
Aside from your toes’ unusual appearance, you might also experience discomfort and other symptoms. These changes may point to a hammertoe deformity, a condition that begins subtly but also progresses. If you notice these changes, it’s best to see a podiatrist sooner rather than later.
Fortunately, if you live in or near Sebring, Florida, you have access to a talented podiatrist for hammertoe diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Paul Ebanks at the Foot and Ankle Center of MidFlorida treats you as an individual — not merely a set of symptoms — and gives care with your unique needs and goals in mind.
Up to 20% of people experiencing foot issues are coping with hammertoe. If you think you might be one of them, now’s the time to act. Learn more below about what causes hammertoe, steps for prevention, and why early intervention is key.
You might develop hammertoe for several reasons, including:
As hammertoe progresses, pain intensifies, as well as toe stiffness, swelling, and skin discoloration. You may also notice corns and calluses on your toes, and even open wounds on your affected toes. It can become harder to move your toes comfortably, too.
When hammertoe worsens, it may affect how you walk. You could find it increasingly difficult to wear shoes comfortably, especially if they’re narrow and crowd your toes. Straightening your toes can also prove challenging.
Preventing hammertoe requires caring for your feet properly. Follow these tips:
Purchase footwear that fits properly and accommodates your toes comfortably. Avoid low heels. Opt for shoes with straps or laces that you can loosen for more comfort, if needed. Shop for shoes later in the day when your feet are at their biggest. Also, make sure you know your correct shoe size, including the width of your foot. This changes as you get older!
Try to stay within a healthy weight range for your height and build to ease pressure on your feet.
Be kind to your feet. Get a foot massage every so often and encourage healthy circulation by elevating your feet regularly.
If you suspect you have hammertoe, don’t wait. The sooner you seek care, the less likely you’ll need more aggressive intervention. For milder symptoms, Dr. Ebanks may recommend conservative treatments, such as:
Dr. Ebanks may recommend surgery for advanced, severe cases of hammertoe. During this type of procedure, he remedies any muscle imbalance and corrects and realigns your affected toe joints.
There’s no reason to suffer with the discomfort of hammertoe, and every reason to contact the Foot and Ankle Center of MidFlorida. At your appointment, Dr. Ebanks will evaluate your condition and create a customized treatment plan. Contact our Sebring office at 863-382-1570 to schedule an appointment.
