When you are having trouble with your feet or toes is can cause some constant difficulty in your everyday life. Unless you are okay not walking around at all, you most likely will want your feet to be treated. The first step is to determine what it is that you are dealing with. There are many problems that people have with their feet and one of the most common diagnosis is hammer toes.
Belmont Anderson Podiatry Explains What Hammer Toes Are, How They Occur & Treatment Options
What Does a Hammer Toe Look Like?: Your toes should naturally grow and form straight out of the foot and extend forward. When you have a hammer toe, or toes, you are most likely suffering from a deformity that causes the toes to bend inward or to the sideand looks unnatural. Hammer toes are not just on a particular toe or affecting a specific type of people. It can affect any toe or toes and can be found in people of all ages and genders.
What Causes Hammer Toe?: The problem is that there is not one reason or cause for hammer toes but there are several that seem to be the biggest causes. If you have an injury to your toe that is substantial you could be left with a hammer toe. You could have a high arch that can also lead to the development of hammer toes. Another reason is from wearing shoes that do not fit properly and squeeze the foot in an unnatural way. These are the most likely causes of hammer toes and if you have any of these and notice a problem with your toe you want to see your podiatrist as soon as possible.
Hammer Toe Symptoms: If you are concerned that you might be suffering from hammer toes you can check out a few of these common signs and symptoms. There are some that can be minor but should still be looked at by a podiatrist. If you notice that your toe is pointing downward and it seems to be a little difficult to wiggle your toes you may have hammer toes. Another symptom is the development of corns and calluses on the foot and toes as well as difficulty when walking. You may experience some pain or discomfort.
How to Fix & Straighten Hammer Toes: Depending on the reason behind the hammer toe, you can treat it by making some changes. If the reason is due to bad fitting shoes you can correct that by switching out your shoe wear for something better fitting. Also using padding in your shoes as well as medications for corns you can alleviate some of the pain and discomfort associated with your hammer toe. If you are suffering from hammer toes, call Belmont Anderson Podiatry today to make your appointment.