Suffering from Hammertoe in Freehold NJ?

While it is not good to worry about developing hammertoe, if you’re showing early signs, it is a good idea to have it treated as soon as possible by a Freehold NJ Podiatrist. The early signs of this condition will likely seem small and unimportant. A lot of people are tempted to ignore the signs completely.

However, with time, the condition can grow worse. This can make your toes look deformed, cause joint swelling or stiffness, and cause problems while walking in extreme cases. When the situation is still mild, the team at Lemberger Podiatry often finds that correcting it can be a lot simpler than waiting until it worsens.

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What Is Hammertoe in Freehold NJ?

When looking at the foot, you can define hammertoe as being a condition where the second, third, fourth, or fifth toe (the pinky toe) are curved abnormally. It often looks like the toe is bunched up and the pressure needs to be released in the muscle, but the toe is actually in a relaxed position. Or at least, as relaxed as it can currently get.

Inside the toe, a lot is happening. The joint has become deformed. The joint is bent abnormally and is unable to straighten.

While it may be that the toe simply looks weird, other symptoms may develop. The joint may hurt, it may become difficult to wiggle it at all, and the skin can easily develop calluses or corns.

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Can a Hammertoe Become Straight Again?

This condition can develop over time. It can happen due to wearing tight shoes that have restricted movement in the joints and caused them to become deformed.

It is also commonly caused by injuries. If your foot was injured while playing sports or something heavy rolled over the toes, it’s easy for the joints to become misaligned and malformed.

It’s best to talk to a Freehold podiatrist about your bent toe because they will know what the right options are to get your feet in their best health once again. With enough care and patience, it is possible to reverse hammertoe.

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Treatment for Hammertoe

The most common treatment solutions are going to involve wearing shoes with a roomier box for your toes to stretch. It may also be suggested that you wear inserts or pads in your shoes.

A toe splint may be a good way to stretch the toe out. Your podiatrist can show you how to do this in the best way for your feet. The splint will hold the bones straight and help stretch the tendons in your foot. This can help your foot get used to holding a healthier shape again.

In extreme cases, you may need surgery. This is often done when the unusual bend has made it difficult to walk or is going to soon be that way. This is why it’s so important to see a podiatrist as soon as possible when you notice your toes are starting to bend strangely.

In most cases, your podiatrist at Lemberger Podiatry will be able to help you straighten the toe without needing any other intervention.