BENT TOES LEAD TO PAIN

Shoes rarely cause hammer toes: usually it is the result of abnormal foot architecture, causing bad mechanics. Primarily, foot architecture is inherited. For example, if your arch rolls downward too much, alignment is disturbed.  The ligaments and tendons will pull in the wrong direction, resulting in a buckling of the digit. Over time, a rigid hammertoe results.

There are a variety of consequences, primarily pressure to the wrong area of the toe or foot. Corns may result from pressure to a prominent area, like at a joint, and pain will typically develop over time. Excessive pressure can be experienced at the ball of the foot leading to pain.

Various padding designs are available, although these will not lead to a straight toe. Naturally, shoes that are lower or tighter will cause more pressure and, therefore, more pain. Often the development of the hammer toe can be prevented with custom orthotics. But if already present, hammertoes can be “cured“ only by straightening the toe. When done through a small opening, there is less pain, a shorter recovery time, less risk of infection, less swelling. So, don’t live with painful toes! Find answers and solutions at Superior Foot and Ankle Centers.