Hammertoes plague people of all ages and walks of life. Typically recognized by your Casa Grande, AZ podiatrist as an upward deformity of the middle toe joint, but sometimes of the first joint nearest the toe nail, hammertoes cause people discomfort and embarrassment. The podiatrists of the Foot and Ankle Center diagnose and treats this common foot problem in their Casa Grande office.

Causes of Hammertoes

As with so many medical problems, heredity plays a part in the development of hammertoes, bunions and other foot and ankle deformities. Simple foot structure issues such as high arches, flat feet and tight or lax calf muscles contribute to hammertoe formation.

In addition, a bunion, a boney protuberance on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe, often co-exists with hammertoes. A bunion turns the big toe inward, sometimes crossing it over the second and even third toe. The extra pressure causes the first or middle joint of the second or third toe to change in shape, resulting in a hammertoe.

Diabetics and arthritics are prone to hammertoes as are women in general because of narrow-toed shoes and high heels that put additional stress on the front of the foot and the toes. Corns and calluses frequently form on the first or second joint of hammertoes, says the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society.

Treatment of Hammertoes

Hammertoe repairs range from minimally-invasive treatments to surgery on the affected foot. One of the best interventions is a change in shoes. Wider, higher toe boxes relieve pressure on the toes. In-shoe padding of the affected area helps, too, as do custom-made orthotics, or shoe inserts. Specialized hammertoe splints support the painful toe, pad it and help it take a straighter position.

Your Casa Grande podiatrist diagnoses hammertoes with simple visual inspection and x-rays. He may also check a patient's gait and look at the range of motion in the foot and ankle.

Call about Foot Pain

Drs. Myskiw and Clement help scores of patients with hammertoes. If you are in pain, or simply are tired of how your feet look, contact your Casa Grande, CA podiatrist. Get your feet, ankles and legs feeling good and functioning best for your daily activities. Call (520) 836-2962 for an appointment at the Foot and Ankle Center.