It’s not just a cosmetic issue – deformities in your feet also cause irregular gait, bad shoe fit, and complications like calluses, blisters, and aches and pains. Also, you want your toes to look good when you wear sandals or go barefoot. So, what should you do when you start to see signs of foot and toe deformities such as hammertoe?
Hammertoe happens when the middle joint of your toes becomes stuck in a bent position. After a while, your bent toe starts to look like the head of a hammer. This can happen to one or more of your toes.
Hammertoe is treatable, especially when caught in the early stages. You can also reduce your risk of developing hammertoe by taking preventive precautions.
In this blog, expert podiatrist Dr. Leonard Greenwald informs you about the best strategies to prevent hammertoe. Dr. Greenwald treats new and existing patients with podiatry problems from his office in San Jose, California.
Your feet and toes have to bear your entire body weight every time you move, and improperly distributed pressure from bad biomechanics causes problems. Over time, bad posture or gait may result in weakness in your front foot tendons and muscles, producing a hammertoe.
You can reduce your risk of hammertoe by paying attention to your posture and foot mechanics. Make sure, whether you’re standing, walking, or running, you’re keeping your feet aligned. Watch out for too much pressure on either your toes or the ball of your foot, as this may lead to issues down the road.
You don’t go through life barefoot, and the shoes you wear make a big difference when it comes to your foot health. Your shoes can increase your risk of hammertoe. But, switching to more supportive footwear can prevent hammertoe or even treat the issue in the early stages.
When it comes to hammertoe prevention, pay attention to how your shoes support or compress your toes and the front part of your feet. If the toe box is too narrow, or if high heels shift too much of your weight onto your forefeet, you’re at more risk of developing hammertoe.
Shoes with a nice, spacious toe box, plenty of room for your toes to wiggle, and good arch support help prevent hammertoe.
If you’re worried about hammertoe, use simple exercises and stretches to keep your toes strong and flexible. For example, you can work your forefoot muscles by rolling a tennis ball or picking up a towel or washcloth using your toes. Stretch and flex your toes daily.
With the right care and attention, you can avoid hammertoe becoming an issue that requires professional podiatry treatment.
If you notice early signs of hammertoe developing, contact Dr. Greenwald for expert advice to realign and strengthen your feet and toes. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Greenwald online or over the phone today.
