At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know most of our Middlesex County patients can easily identify a hammertoe by the telltale hammer-like appearance of a toe.  Still, they may not be as familiar with the cause or progression of this deformity.

Here are some do’s and don’ts regarding the common condition of hammertoes:

  • Don’t: ignore a toe that seems to be moving into a hammer position. It’s not your imagination, and it’s not going to go away on its own. Hammertoe is a progressive condition that needs treatment to be slowed or corrected. If you believe your toe is changing its shape or position, you should contact our Cromwell office by calling: (860) 632-5499, so our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, can evaluate your condition.
  • Do: be prepared to give the podiatrist a family medical history at your appointment. The foot doctor will want to track down the cause of your hammertoes, which can be a hereditary condition. Other possible causes include a muscle/tendon imbalance, which can lead to mechanical or neurological changes that result in a hammertoe.
  • Don’t: put off seeking treatment for a hammertoe. It may not be painful at first, but as time goes by, it will worsen. In the early stages, you have multiple non-invasive options to help, including:
    • Physical therapy
    • Custom orthotics
    • Splinting or strapping the affected toes
    • Medications to help with pain and inflammation
  • Do: rethink your shoe choices. Shoes that don’t have enough room in the toe box may be contributing to a hammertoe, particularly if you have one toe that is longer than the others. High heels that force your foot forward and flip flops that need your toes to grip the front of the shoe to keep them on are all detrimental to patients with a hammertoe.
  • Do: treat secondary conditions caused by hammertoes. Corns and calluses may form due to friction from footwear. These can be very painful and develop into open sores. Use padding to protect these areas while your podiatrist works on treating the underlying cause of a hammertoe.

If you notice anything out of the ordinary about any of your toes, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Questions or Comments?

We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.

Call Today (860) 632-5499

162 West St Ste K Cromwell, CT 06416