18840 Ventura Blvd Ste 211, Tarzana, CA 91356
867 W Lancaster Blvd. Lancaster, CA 93534
HAMMERTOE
WHAT IS HAMMER TOE?
In general, a hammertoe is a flexion (bending) contracture of one or both joints of the second through fifth toes. It is a deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) of the toe causing it to be permanently bent and resemble a hammer. The contracture of the toes can be flexible (reducible) at first and can get rigid (non-reducible) as the deformity progresses.
If there is flexion deformity of the distal phalangeal joint(DIPJ) of the toe only, then it is called a Mallet toe (resembling a mallet).
If there is a flexion deformity at the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) and distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ), then the deformity is called a Claw toe (resembling a claw).
Hammertoes are progressive and will get worst if not treated or managed appropriately.
CAUSES OF HAMMER TOE:
There are many causes for the contracture of the toes. Some may be intrinsic, due to the anatomy of the foot and other causes may be extrinsic, due to shoe gear.
- High arched foot (pes cavus)
- Low arched foot (pes planus)
- Tight shoe gear or high heeled shoes.
- Imbalance of the muscles within the foot.
- Traumatic injury to the toe
- May also be inherited
SYMPTOMS OF HAMMER TOE:
- Rubbing of the tip or top of the toes against the shoe and leading to pain.
- Corns and calluses (a buildup of skin) on the toe, between two toes, or on the ball of the foot.
- Sharp burning pain, aching pain or numbness to the toes.
- Contracture of the toe. Flexible or rigid.
- Thickening of the nail.
- Toes crossing over each other.
CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT:
Non surgical treatment can be more successful when the contracture of the toe is flexible (reducible).
- Changes in shoewear. Use shoes with a larger in both width and height of toe box. This will reduce pressure on the toes. Avoid high heeled shoes.
- Orthotic devices. A custom orthotic device or an appropriate over the counter orthotic device.
- Injection therapy. Cortisone injections can be considered. However, they may also cause the deformity to progress more rapidly. Discuss with your physician the risks and benefits of the injections.
- Padding: padding the toes
- Splinting or taping
- Stretching
Hammertoes are progressive and will get worse if not treated or managed appropriately. It is better to treat at the earlier stage. Schedule your appointment with Valley Foot and Ankle Center for hammertoe treatment in location Hammer Toe Treatment in Tarzana, CA. For the convenience of our patients, we serve at one other location Lancaster, CA. If you are looking for treatment in other location Hammer Toe Treatment in Lancaster, CA, call us today at 818-981-1900.
SURGICAL TREATMENT:
This should be considered once the toe has become rigidly contracted and conservative care has failed. Your physician will need to evaluate your foot and the etiology of your toe contracture. Surgical treatment will vary pending the etiology. Please discuss the details with your physician.
We encourage you to consult with a foot and ankle specialist for a complete assessment of your condition.
Dr. Jones Hormozi at Valley Foot & Ankle Center (VFAC) utilizes state-of-the-art technology, minimally invasive procedures, and advanced techniques to prevent and treat all conditions of the foot and ankle. This allows most patients to walk immediately after most procedures, and they are able to rapidly return to high levels of functioning with excellent outcomes. We also offer our specialized treatments, call us at 818-981-1900 for Hammertoe Treatment in Los Angeles, CA, Hammertoe Treatment in Woodland Hills, CA, and Hammertoe Treatment in Palmdale, CA locations.
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Dr. Jones Hormozi is a Board Certified Podiatrist in Los Angeles. Dr. Hormozi is known for treating sports injuries in patients of all ages. He has treated and operated on professional athletes, semi professional athletes, college athletes and high school athletes. Dr. Hormozi is also Clinical Assistant Professor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Western University of Health Sciences.
HAMMERTOE SURGERY BEFORE AND AFTER
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