At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, a condition we often see in our Middlesex county office is deformities of one or more toes. Many patients mistakenly think that there is nothing that can be done about these disorders and unfortunately doesn’t come to our Cromwell office to have them evaluated by our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, until they have become extremely painful and debilitating. At that point, toe deformities are more difficult to treat and correct. Below are three common toe problems and what to do about them. 

Hammertoe

This deformity affects the second, third or fourth toe and is marked by a bend in the middle joint causing it to resemble its namesake hammer appearance. Hammertoes most often occur due to a muscle imbalance or wearing improperly fitting shoes. When diagnosed in the early stage—while the toe is still flexible—the podiatrist can try strapping the toe, exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles and shoe modifications to slow the progression of the deformity. Left untreated, hammertoes can become rigid in the bent position. In that case, only surgery will be able to correct the deformity.

Claw Toe

Patients with claw toe have usually suffered nerve damage from a disease like diabetes or alcoholism. The nerve damage causes the muscles to weaken in the foot and the toes begin to take on a claw-like appearance. The abnormal bend of the toe makes wearing shoes uncomfortable and painful corns may then develop. When detected early, the foot doctor can use splints and tape to hold the toe in its correct position.

Bunions

A bunion is actually a bone deformity where the joint at the base of the big toe becomes enlarged and starts to move out of place, producing the easily identified bulge on the side of the big toe. Not only do many patients consider this condition unsightly, but it also can be extremely painful as the protrusion rubs against footwear, becoming red and tender. Corns may form and walking hurts. Over time, arthritis or bursitis may set in and calluses can form on the bottom of the foot. Fortunately, there are several conservative and surgical treatment options available.

The key with all of these deformities is to contact us as soon as you notice a toe appears to be moving out of place or taking on an abnormal shape. The sooner we can treat a toe deformity, the greater the likelihood that a conservative measure will take care of the problem.

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162 West St Ste K Cromwell, CT 06416