FAQs About Hammertoes

How your podiatrist in North Las Vegas, NV, can help you get relief from a hammertoe

Hammertoes can impact your life, making it painful to put on shoes, and painful to walk around. Your podiatrist can help you get relief from hammertoes, so you can live life without foot pain.

Dr. David Biesinger at Centennial Foot & Ankle in North Las Vegas, NV, provides comprehensive foot care services, including treatment for a hammertoe.

You may not know much about hammertoes, so these are just a few frequently asked questions and answers about this painful toe condition:

What is a hammertoe?

A hammertoe is a deformity in your toe joint, causing your toe to bend and thrust outward. A hammertoe gets its name because its shape resembles a hammer.

What causes a hammertoe?

Hammertoes can result from an imbalance of the muscles or tendons in your toe. They can also develop from wearing shoes that are too narrow or pointed, crushing your toes together.

Can I prevent hammertoes?

Prevention starts with wearing the right shoes. Choose shoes with plenty of room for your toes to move. Avoid narrow, pointed shoes and high heels which push your toes forward.

Other preventive options include:

• Wearing wedges, cushions, or pads inside your shoes to reduce friction
• Stretching your toes individually with your fingers to maintain flexibility
• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication

How can my podiatrist help relieve hammertoes?

Your podiatrist may recommend:

• Custom footwear and orthotics to correct a tendon or muscle imbalance
• Splints and other devices to realign your toes and foot
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce swelling in your toe joint
• Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling

Will I need surgery for my hammertoe?

For severe, painful hammertoes which are interfering with your daily activities, surgery is also an option. Surgery is performed to realign your toe joint, eliminating the hammertoe.

To learn more about hammertoe treatment and other foot care services, call Dr. David Biesinger at Centennial Foot & Ankle in North Las Vegas, NV. You can reach him in the office by calling (702) 852-2402, so call today.