Hammer toes

A hammer toe is a deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the second, third, or fourth toe causing it to be permanently bent, resembling a hammer. Mallet toe is a similar condition affecting the distal interphalangeal joint.[1][2]

ammer toe most frequently results from wearing poorly-fit shoes that can force the toe into a bent position, such as excessively high heels or shoes that are too short or narrow for the foot. Having the toes bent for long periods of time can cause the muscles in them to shorten, resulting in the hammer toe deformity. This is often found in conjunction with bunions or other foot problems. It can also be caused by muscle, nerve, or joint damage resulting from conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or diabetes.[3]

In many cases, conservative treatment consisting of physical therapy and new shoes with soft, spacious toe boxes is enough to resolve the condition, while in more severe or longstanding cases orthopedic surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity. The patient's doctor may also prescribe some toe exercises that can be done at home to stretch and strengthen the muscles. For example, the individual can gently stretch the toes manually, or use the toes to pick things up off the floor. While watching television or reading, one can put a towel flat under the feet and use the toes to crumple it.

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Podiatrist in Tulsa OK

References

1. ^ American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
2. ^ Mayo Clinic, "Hammertoe and mallet toe"
3. ^ "Hammer toe and mallet toe – causes". Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hammertoe-and-mallet-toe/DS00480/DSECTION=causes. Retrieved 2009-01-30.

bunions

A bunion is a structural deformity of the bones and the joint between the foot and big toe, and may be painful. Most people today will refer to a bunion as a bump or a protrusion that exist on the inside of the foot near the big toe. The angle of the protrusion will affect how much pain the bunion causes the individual and if surgery is an option that the patient is willing to consider.

Bunions are produced when there is a problem with the tendons or some other part of the supporting mechanisms in the foot. These problems that cause bunions may be caused by a variety of conditions including: flat feet, high arch, non-supportive shoes etc... Bunions are seen more commonly in older individuals. This is usually the case because they develop over a series of years. It is very important to take care of your feet in your youthful years in order to prevent a foot problem like this one.

Bunions are usually identified on sight by a podiatrist. They are very easy to detect but can also be confirmed by taken an x-ray of the affect region. The x-ray will show how bad the bunion is, the angle of protrusion, and also if the patient is a good candidate surgery. Surgery should be thought on very seriously since the recovery time is quite long. The patient needs to be made fully aware of how long it will take for them to recover to eliminate the problem of them not being happy with their surgery.

Bunions are usually correctable with either orthotics or surgery, surgery being the most common and most effective treatment. Surgery should only be considered if the bunion is causing you so much pain that it interferes with your daily life. The recovery time for bunion surgery is usually 3-6 months. At the 3 month point many patients begin to feel as though they should not have had the surgery because of the limitations in their mobility. This is common and the patient should be educated about this. Most patients will not be able to walk correctly until the 6 month point and will not be happy with the results until then.

The lesson that everyone should take away from this article is to take very good care of your feet. They must last a lifetime!

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Tulsa Podiatrist

podiatrist in Tulsa OK