What can a podiatrist do for hammer toes?

Do you have some toes on either of your feet that are starting to curl downwards? Or maybe you’re dealing with an abnormal bend at the middle joint of one or more toes. Well, this could be hammer toe, and don’t worry; a qualified podiatrist has got your back!

Introduction

Hammer toe is not only uncomfortable but also unsightly. It forms when there is an imbalance between the muscles/tendons that control the movement of your foot’s toes. As such, these ten little soldiers become weak or even worse, overpowered by others.

And no matter how we would like to paint it nicely- allowing hammer toes to go unchecked eventually leads to other health issues such as bunions and corns.

That being said…

Brief Overview of Podiatry & Its Relation To Hammer Toe

Aaah! Podiatrics! You’ve heard about them before right?! Yes/No/Maybe They deal with everything related to our most favorite limb THE FOOT.

From minor concerns like calluses all through complicated surgeries just so folks can walk again- podiatric firms provide exceptional care.

So what part does a foot specialist play in treating something as simple as hammer toes?

Well…the very diagnosis itself is where they come in first. A physical exam alongside imaging tests is standard practice, yes please- expect x-rays, MRIs, CT-scans-the whole nine yards!

Diagnosing Hammertoes: The Role Of A Skilled Practitioner

Since the cause varies based on various factors – including genetics – therefore comprehensive examinations will help determine if further examination required. Like any good detective trying hard not to miss anything- podiatrists find it crucial first to cross off likely culprits’ early detection gets rid of any additional guessing games real quick!

Here Is What Your Podiatrist will be looking for:

Muscle & Bone Strength

First off, an extensive muscle examination assists in determining where the problem lies- is it around the feet or elsewhere. Additionally, a quick bone density and strength test tell whether there’s any layer of calcium between joints.

X-ray imaging can help—intensely! Letting them see how much malrotation existing hence determining precise locations that need attention!

Methods Employed In Treating Hammer Toes

Now that we have established what hammer toes are, let’s talk about ways to fix them up! Want your feet back into tip-top shape? Great news folks: Treatment options based on individual needs exist – get ready to say goodbye to those nasty toenails!

Podiatric practises consider both invasive and non-invasive solutions, depending on how advanced the condition is. Common treatments include:

Switching Footwear

A natural first step mainly because they’re low-risk for starters. It involves shifting from high-heeled shoes ( we know you like these ladies!) with little/no arch support over towards wide comfortable socks/shoes equipped with proper cushioning.

And listen…it doesn’t mean walking around in crocs all day like an old granny-braces are fashionable too nowadays y’know?

Medication

It involves using anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin; not forgetting corticosteroids^1 aimed at alleviating foot irritation reducing discomfort swiftly without having to go under the knife!

Injections here mostly done by qualified podiatric specialist themselves proud certified superheroes but sometimes collaboration necessary especially if administering general anesthesia^2 needed during surgery.

Some other efficient means of providing relief from pain caused by hammertoes through NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) alongside oral steroids like prednisone sought after due their effectiveness dealing swelling causing inflammation within affected areas preventing further damage while assist healing processes take effect.

Non-surgical Methods

Other non-surgical treatments include:

  • splinting: nope not something reserved for players on the field but techniques putting pressure where necessary correcting any existing imbalance.
  • toe pads’ padding affected areas allows toes to rest in proper positions relieving pain seen within tendons
  • Using custom made orthotics^3 primarily meant to provide support through abnormal tensions (fasciosis)^4.

Surgery

However, when it comes to advanced cases involving serious malformation/damage present – surgery remains unavoidable. The different surgical options currently exist ranging from complete corrective procedures when poor muscle balance exists with bone/cartilage removal or fusing of joints reconstructed at times using artificial ones!

We know that sounds a bit concerning so If you find yourself worried about this option don’t forget specialized doctors here waiting to take care of your every need.
They come up with tailor-made solutions once examining each individual case based around severity over other factors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, podiatric experts deemed masters dealing everything feet-related and hammertoes no exception. Through their knowledge of all treatment options available making sure we keep our precious toes safe while returning them back tip-top shape!.

Remember though early detection crucial as possible long-lasting damage subsequently costing even more time, effort and expense! So don’t delay call a podiatrist today!!!

Do I hear someone already shuffling towards the closest phone…?


1_Corticosteroids_-relieving swelling/inflammation restricted limited use due adverse side effects._

2_Anesthesia_-culd be general/regional t assist patient remain numb immobile surgeon focusing operations aspects without causing discomfort._

3_Orthotics_-specializes designing footwear aimed redistributing weight along ground want could better.-_

4_Fasciosis-Swelling/Irritation focused around fascia tissue surrounding muscles/bones_

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