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Hammer Toes Services in Downtown Manhattan, Midtown Manhattan, Staten Island, And Manalapan, New Jersey
Hammer toes are common foot deformities that affect more than 200,000 people in the United States each year. If your hammertoes are uncomfortable or unattractive to you, visit the team at Manhattan Podiatry Group. With locations throughout New York in Downtown Manhattan, Midtown Manhattan, and Staten Island, as well as in Manalapan, New Jersey, the team offers convenient scheduling so you can get the care you need quickly. To book an appointment, call the nearest office or request an appointment online today.
What are hammer toes?
Hammertoe is a condition in which the toes curl under like the claw portion of a hammer. In patients suffering from hammertoe, the affected toes stay bent at the joint, unable to flatten out into a more natural position. In addition to the claw-like appearance, hammertoes can cause tenderness, swelling, painful corns and calluses, joint stiffness, and even difficulty walking.
While most cases of hammertoe don’t lead to serious foot health problems, they can be painful if the abnormal curve causes friction against your shoes. Many also seek treatment to improve the aesthetics of their feet, as hammertoes can be unsightly.
What causes hammertoe?
Apart from your big toe, each of your toes has three bones connected by three joints. If anything causes the ball of your foot to extend too far upward, your middle toe joints can be forced to extend too far downward. Over time, those abnormal flexions can lead to permanent joint changes.
If the muscles in your lower legs cannot properly support and stabilize your feet, changes in weight distribution can push your bones and joints into unusual alignment. Additional causes of hammertoe include:
- Nerve and muscle damage from diabetes
- Genetic factors
- High heels or shoes that don’t properly fit
In adults, hammer toe is usually a permanent condition as the bones and connective tissues can no longer be manually pulled into proper alignment.
How are hammer toes treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Hammertoes are generally caused by a muscle tendon imbalance and, if left untreated, will get progressively worse. Cushions pads, properly fitted shoes, and custom orthotics combined with exercises can be implemented to alleviate symptoms.
Once the affected joints have grown rigid, surgical correction may be the only available treatment option. Altering the shape of the bone and soft tissues near the affected joints can restore optimal alignment.
If you’re searching for solutions for hammer toes or any other type of foot deformity, schedule an appointment at Manhattan Podiatry Group to discuss your treatment options. You can book your consultation by calling the nearest office or using the online booking feature.
Common foot & ankle conditions treated at our practice
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Ankle & Foot Trauma
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Bunions
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Foot Cellulitis
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Toenail Fungus
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Hallux Rigidus
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Hammertoes
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Ingrown Toenails
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Fractures
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Neuromas
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Planter Fasciitis
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Plantar Wart
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Tendinitis
Set up a complimentary foot screening!
Call the nearest Manhattan Podiatry Group location for assistance with your foot or ankle conditions. You can also schedule an appointment using the online tool at any time. Click to schedule a complimentary foot screening.