Are you living with Hammertoe? This is a painful foot condition that is characterised by a bent toe that resembles a hammer and usually develops in the second, third or fourth toe. Calluses often develop on the top of the bent toe or on the ball of the foot, and the toe will often become inflamed, red or irritated. It can be difficult or painful to move the toe affected by the condition, and the toe is likely to become more rigid over time.
Here at Foot Solutions, we know that many painful foot conditions are caused or worsened by wearing the wrong footwear and we can help you to find the solution! Whether you are already experiencing pain such as Hammertoe or wish to prevent it happening to you, read on to find out how to manage this condition and keep your feet in great shape.
What Causes Hammertoe?
Hammertoe is believed to have a genetic component, so it may be worth taking greater care if you have a family history of the condition. A traumatic injury to the toe, such as a broken or stubbed toe, can lead to Hammertoe, and an existing condition such as rheumatoid arthritis can also increase the likelihood of developing Hammertoe.
Hammertoe is more likely to develop if there is an imbalance in the muscles, tendons or ligaments in the toe. However, the most common cause of Hammertoe is wearing shoes that are too tight, especially if they are narrow, as these can put pressure on the toes and cause them to bend abnormally. High heels are often the culprit, forcing the feet into uncomfortable positions and increasing the likelihood of conditions such as Hammertoe and bunions.
How to Treat Hammertoe
If you have developed Hammertoe, you will need to see a specialist who will establish the amount of rigidity in the toe, and this will determine the treatment that is recommended for you. The options include:
- Changing your shoes. Wearing the right shoes can make a big difference to the way your whole body is aligned and can relieve and prevent painful foot conditions. When looking for shoes, you should focus on the way your feet feel and the support the shoes provide. Good, supportive shoes will have a wide toe box and good arch support, which can cushion and protect the feet correctly. You should avoid shoes that are narrow, tight or pointy, and those with very high heels that put a lot of pressure on the front of the foot.
- Adding precision-tailored orthotics. Precision-tailored orthotics are uniquely crafted to fit your feet. This means that the devices reflect your unique foot shape and offer cushioning in all the right places. Precision-tailored orthotics can work wonders for problems such as over-pronation, where the feet roll in as you walk, which can cause discomfort and pain. Orthotic devices that are bought straight off the shelf may make some difference to your comfort levels, but we recommend precision-tailored orthotics that can provide much more tailored support and revolutionise the way your feet feel. Uniquely crafted to fit your feet.
- Exercising your feet. Regularly stretching and exercising your toes can help to strengthen and straighten them. You can exercise your toes on a daily basis by curling and stretching them several times and by picking up small items from the floor using your toes to develop dexterity and flexibility. Small things such as pens or marbles can be ideal for this practice, or you can use a piece of fabric or a towel. This is a great way to take care of the many muscles, ligaments and tendons in your feet and build a stronger foundation to prevent painful foot conditions from developing or worsening.
- Toe Splints. Toe splints are designed to relieve the pain of conditions such as Hammertoe and bunions. These devices hold the toes in the correct alignment, relieving pressure on the whole foot and preventing the condition from worsening. You should look for toe splints that fit the toes closely and do not irritate the foot or cause additional pain. Toe splints are usually made from silicone or foam, which offer a good level of cushioning, although more rigid options may be suggested in severe cases. These are most effective for mild or moderate cases of Hammertoe where the toe is still flexible and can delay surgery or prevent the need for it altogether. Toe splints are a cost-effective option that is non-invasive and therefore a popular choice for those wishing to avoid surgery at this stage, and they can also be a good option post-surgery.
- Tendon release surgery. If you have a severe case of Hammertoe, you may be offered surgery to release or lengthen the tendons in the affected area to allow the toe to straighten properly. This is often very effective and can enable significant improvements in terms of mobility and pain management.
- Joint fusion surgery. This type of surgery is intended to remove part of the affected joint and fuse the bones, which has the effect of keeping the toe straight in the future. This can limit the mobility and freedom of movement you have in the toe but may be recommended to stop the condition from worsening and reduce the pain you are experiencing.
- Surgery to remove part of the bone. In some cases, it is helpful to remove part of the bone in the affected toe in order to realign the toe and reduce the pain of Hammertoe. This is usually offered as an outpatient procedure, and you should be aware that recovering from surgery such as this can be a long process. Bear in mind that surgery will usually only be an option in severe cases, where your medical practitioner feels sure that your quality of life will be improved by a surgical procedure.
Conditions such as Hammertoe can have a big impact on your daily life and limit your mobility and your ability to exercise in the longer term. If you are concerned about a structural foot condition such as this, you can visit us at Foot Solutions for advice and support or make an appointment with one of our foot wellness experts who will be able to assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.
Customer Testimonials
If you’ve been living with pain in your feet, legs, knees or back for a long time, you may be surprised how much difference a visit to Foot Solutions can make. Our expert team have years of experience in helping customers to find the best options for their feet and we can advise you on footwear that will look and feel great, as well as precision-tailored orthotics and insoles. We love to hear from our satisfied customers, who often return to our stores to tell us how much their visit to us has changed their life.
We love to hear about the amazing things our customers do when they find footwear that enables them to get back to enjoying an active, healthy life, and you can find glowing testimonials on our website that describe the transformation that good footwear can bring. It is important to us that you do not have to compromise on style when you want to enjoy the benefits of healthy feet, so our footwear range is designed to look and feel fantastic.
Find Great Shoes at Foot Solutions in Ireland
Our friendly team at Foot Solutions believe in taking a professional approach to finding the right footwear, and we have a good selection of work shoes, training shoes, casual shoes and boots. We also offer services such as gait analysis and precision-tailored orthotics that can relieve pain and help to ensure that your feet are well cared for. Looking after your feet is our aim, and we look forward to meeting you in store.
Just pop in and visit us in one of our stores across Ireland to find out how you can make the most of your footwear and we’ll show you our solutions and find the best fit for you. We know that great footwear can keep your feet healthy, which is great news for your general health and longevity, so visit us today for more information and support.
