Hammertoes Specialist
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Foot and Ankle Clinic of MidFlorida
Foot and Ankle Surgeon & Podiatrist located in Sebring, FL
When you notice your toes bending abnormally, it’s important that you schedule a hammertoe evaluation with experienced foot and ankle specialist Paul Ebanks, DPM, FACFAS, at Foot and Ankle Clinic of MidFlorida in Sebring, Florida. Dr. Ebanks is skilled in evaluating the severity of hammertoe-related bending, and he offers both nonsurgical and surgical treatments to correctly align your joint and ease your symptoms. With early treatment, you can reduce your risk of permanent toe deformities. Contact Foot and Ankle Clinic of MidFlorida today by phone or by using the online booking feature.
Hammertoes Q & A
What are hammertoes?
Hammertoes can affect the joints in any of your toes, except the big toe. The joints can begin bending abnormally due to an imbalance in your muscles or an underlying neurological condition.
You may also develop unusual toe bending following a foot injury or because of your genetic history.
Hammertoes can progressively worsen, and without proper treatment, the abnormal bending can develop into a serious joint deformity.
What are the symptoms of hammertoes?
The bending in hammertoes begins gradually and worsens over time. Discomfort of hammertoes may become more persistent if you wear shoes that are too tight.
You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Foot and Ankle Clinic of MidFlorida if you experience symptoms like:
- Chronic pain
- Open wounds
- Corns and calluses
As hammertoes progress, it may become increasingly difficult to wear shoes without pain, especially if your shoes are narrow.
How are hammertoes diagnosed?
In many cases, Dr. Ebanks can confirm hammertoes based on a visual exam of them. He may also recommend imaging tests, like an X-ray, to evaluate the severity of the joint deformity.
Because hammertoes won’t resolve on their own, Dr. Ebanks designs a treatment plan that focuses on correcting the abnormal bend and easing your pain and mobility issues.
How are hammertoes treated?
In the early stages of hammertoes, Dr. Ebanks can recommend nonsurgical treatments to keep you comfortable. This may involve:
- Avoiding high heels
- Wearing wide width shoes
- Using custom orthotic shoe inserts
You may find relief from pain by taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and pain relievers.
To reduce pressure on your toes, Dr. Ebanks can recommend special padding to prevent corns and calluses. He can also treat those that you already have with medications or by cutting off the thickened areas of skin.
When hammertoes are advanced, you may need surgery to address the joint deformity. Dr. Ebanks uses surgical procedures to realign the toe joint and correct the underlying imbalance in the muscles.
For some, physical therapy can stretch muscles that cause hammertoes to prevent additional complications.
If you have painful hammertoes, schedule a consultation at Foot and Ankle Clinic of MidFlorida today using the online booking feature or by calling the office.
