Why Double Board-Certified Podiatrists Recommend Early Intervention for Hammertoes

Hammertoes account for about 20% of all foot and ankle concerns. Addressing hammertoes in the early stages may help prevent further toe deformities, reduce pain, and/or avoid more extensive treatment down the road. 

See our dual board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, Jason Armstrong, DPM, in Shenandoah or Humble, Texas, at the first sign of a hammertoe.

Here's what he wants you to know about recognizing the early signs of hammertoes and taking proactive steps to protecting your foot health. 

Recognizing the signs of hammertoes

It’s easy to ignore small changes in your toes until they affect your lifestyle. To make sure you get the treatment you need, pay attention to these signs:

• One or more toes look curled
• Pain at the top of the affected toe(s)
• Discomfort at the ball of your foot
• Corns
• Calluses
• Swelling
• Difficulty moving the affected toe
• Skin discoloration

You might not have any obvious symptoms during the early stages of hammertoe development, but routine foot and ankle check-ups with Dr. Armstrong can detect it before worsening symptoms develop. 

Causes of hammertoes

Causes of hammertoes include wearing uncomfortable shoes, having flat feet or high arches, having long toes, and developing bunions that push your toes out of their ideal alignment. 

Health conditions affecting your feet can also boost the risk of hammertoes. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. 

Complications linked to untreated hammertoes

Left untreated, mild hammertoe tendons and joints can tighten over time, causing the affected toe(s) to remain in a bent position. This can cause worsening problems, including pain and an abnormal gait (the way you walk).

Why it’s best to treat hammertoes early

Early treatment of hammertoes can help you avoid worsening complications that negatively affect the way you walk, your ability to stay active, and even your mental well-being.

Addressing hammertoes early makes them easier to treat. You might begin by switching to wider and more comfortable shoes, using pads and taping to cushion the affected toe, or using medical tape to hold a hammertoe in its ideal alignment. You can also try shoe inserts (orthotics), toe exercises, and/or stretches. 

In severe cases, or if treatment isn’t initiated early, Dr. Armstrong offers surgery to correct hammertoe deformities and ease unpleasant symptoms. Surgery can release a tendon that’s keeping your toe in a curled position or remove a piece of bone to correct a deformity.

However, many patients prefer to avoid surgery in favor of nonsurgical options when possible. That’s why double-board-certified podiatrists often recommend early intervention for hammertoes.

Don’t wait to see Jason Armstrong, DPM, for a personalized hammertoe treatment plan. Contact us in Shenandoah or Humble, Texas, by phone or request an appointment online today.