A hammer toe is a malformation in which your toe bends or curls downward rather than forward.  Remember that, any toe on your foot might be affected by this condition. In general, it is the 2nd or 3rd toe, which is most commonly affected. The surprising fact is, this problem can be present from your birth, but it develops gradually over time due to various reasons like wearing tight shoe or problems like arthritis. In most of the cases, this problem can be cured.

Who are at more risk for this problem?

• If any of your family members have this problem, then there are chances for you to experience this problem.
• People who wear pointy toed shoes or tight shoes can also experience this problem.

When you wear very small or tight shoes, your toes’ joint is forced into an awkward posture. Your muscles will be unable to stretch as a result of this. Wearing ill-fitting shoes raises your chance of getting the following conditions over time:

• Bunions
• Hammer Toes
• Corns
• Ulcerations

There are so many doctors who can provide treatment for problems like hammer toes. However, in spite of choosing a regular doctor, you must contact a specialist, if you are looking for a permanent solution to your problem. Podiatrists are experts in treating problems like hammer toes. A podiatrist will check your problem severity, and then recommends treatment accordingly.

Most of the podiatrists do not recommend surgery, until and unless it is really required. What about hammer toe surgery pain? In most of the cases, you will only experience little pain post-surgery. If you are not comfortable with that pain then discuss about it with your podiatrist. You may also experience edema as well post surgery, but you don’t have to worry about it.

What are the signs and symptoms of hammer toes?

You may experience little discomfort while walking due to hammertoe problem. The symptoms of hammer toe might be moderate or severe, depending on the severity of the condition.

Mild Symptoms

• Difficulty in walking.
• Calluses or Corns.
• Claw Like Toes.

Severe Symptoms

• Extreme Pain.

You must contact a podiatrist immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms. If you are suffering with severe hammer toe pain then use ice pack on it to find temporary relief from pain. You must also wear comfortable foot wear to avoid pain.

Who should avoid this surgery?

• People with poor blood circulation problem in feet should avoid surgery.
• Chronic health problems like cancer, diabetes etc.
• Severe infection.

How long it takes to recover post-surgery?

It may take few weeks to recover completely post-surgery. Take the help of a walker to stay comfortable. During the first few weeks after surgery, patients should keep their foot elevated most of time for fast recovery. This will relieve the strain on the toe, allowing it to recover.  Swelling might linger up to a year, although pain should go away quickly after the surgery.

Take the appointment from a reputed podiatrist in your location today to get relief from hammertoe pain!