Hammertoes in McAllen & Weslaco, TX
After consulting Dr. Tin Quach and Dr. Samuel Enyew of Foot Center, you can secure treatment for your hammertoes in Weslaco or McAllen, TX.
What Are Hammertoes?
After experiencing pain and difficulty walking, you may examine your feet for answers and find something you didn’t expect. You may specifically notice unusual bends along some of your toes that make them appear deformed. What you’re seeing there are hammertoes.
Hammertoes, also called mallet toes, may be related to your choice of footwear. Improperly sized shoes can strain the tendons and joints that make up your toes. The pressure exerted by the interaction between your shoes and toes may force the latter into unnatural positions. If your toes stay in those contorted positions long enough, you may end up with a case of hammertoes.
Although improperly sized shoes are often blamed for hammertoes, they could also be related to your anatomy. You are more susceptible to developing this condition if you have long toes. Certain health conditions can also affect how susceptible a person is to this problem. Arthritis and diabetes are examples of those conditions.
While pain and difficulty walking are the main symptoms of hammertoes, you may also experience additional issues. People with hammertoes may notice that they have developed calluses and corns. Your affected toes may also start swelling, thus causing more pain and discomfort whenever you try to wear shoes.
The symptoms of hammertoes can linger. You cannot bank on them disappearing over time if you don’t actively address them.
Partnering with Dr. Quach of Foot Center allows you to get the treatment you need for your hammertoes in Weslaco or McAllen, TX.
How Are Hammertoes Treated?
Treatment options for hammertoes can vary, but the first fix your doctor may recommend likely involves changing your footwear. They may measure your feet so they can suggest shoes of appropriate size. If the atypical form of your feet and toes makes it difficult to find comfortable shoes, your doctor may also prescribe orthotic devices. Those orthotic devices should align your feet properly whenever you’re wearing shoes.
While getting used to your new shoes and orthotic devices, your podiatrist may prescribe medication to alleviate your pain. Your podiatrist may also teach you exercises to protect your toes from excessive strain.
In extreme cases of hammertoes, doctors may recommend surgical treatment. However, seeking treatment early on can help prevent surgery.
