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Often,
a foot with a bunion will also have a hammertoe,
which results when the bunion pushes the big toe
under the second toe, raising the second toe into
a claw-like position. Although the condition usually
stems from muscle imbalance, it is often aggravated
by poor-fitting shoes such as high-heeled shoes.
A hammertoe can also occur when a bunion is not
present. Those with rheumatoid arthritis, high arches
or a tendency to rotate their feet outward when
walking (pronation) are especially susceptible.
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Hammertoe
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the toe is fixed into position, hammertoes rub against
shoes and cause painful corns and calluses.
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Conservative Treatment Options
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Shoes with a high toe box, or roomy front end and
open-toed shoes are recommended |
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Protective pads or moleskin to cushion skin against painful pressure and rubbing |
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Shoe inserts (orthotic devices) prescribed by your
podiatrist and molded to your feet help your feet
function better |
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Specially
fitted or prescription shoes large enough to accommodate
the hammertoe |
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Medication
such as corticosteroid injections and pain relievers
for temporary relief of symptoms |
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Physical
therapy, massage and acupuncture to increase range
of motion and decrease swelling |
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Surgical Correction for Hammertoes
In
treating a flexible hammertoe, tendons are surgically
repositioned to allow the toe to lie flat. Afterwards,
your podiatrist may recommend that your wear a surgical
shoe for several weeks.
For a rigid hammertoe, one of several treatments
is available. In an arthroplasty, a portion of the
joint is removed and the toe is straightened. With
fusion, cartilage between the two toe bones is removed
and the bones fuse as one longer bone. In some situations
a portion of the bone is removed and replaced with
an implant. Afterwards, you may wear a surgical
shoe for several weeks. |
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