Footcare You Can Count On

Courtesy Matthew F. Wachtler

Ahammertoe is a proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) contraction. Because this joint’s in the middle of your toe, the contraction forces that part of your toe up to make an inverted “V”in one or more of your little toes.

Flexible hammertoe

Flexible hammertoe means a developing hammertoe. With flexible hammertoe, you see an obvious problem with your toe, but you can still move the PIP joint to force it flat temporarily.

Flexible hammertoe can lead to corns and calluses where your toe rubs against your shoe. You may also have pain in the ball of your foot, at the base of the affected toe.

Rigid hammertoe

Rigid hammertoe is advanced hammertoe, meaning your PIP joint is locked in its abnormal position. When you have rigid hammertoe, you may also have irregular walking patterns and balance issues along with all the other issues associated with hammertoe.

If you come into Cedar Grove Foot & Ankle Specialists as soon as you notice a developing continued on page 10

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What are Hammertoes...

continued from page 8 hammertoe, you can prevent its progression into the more serious rigid hammertoe. Why do hammertoes happen?

The causes of hammertoe can include:

• Heredity

• Abnormal muscle balance in your toes

• Foot trauma

• Pressure from bunions

• Tight shoes

You might be more vulnerable to hammertoe if you’re older, female, have a long second toe, or have a chronic disease like diabetes or arthritis.

How do you straighten a hammertoe?

The only way to straighten a hammertoe safely is to see a board-certified podiatrist right away. Dr. Wachtler treats both flexible and rigid hammertoes at the Cedar Grove Foot & Ankle Specialists office, customizing treatment for the type of hammertoe you have and your needs.

With flexible hammertoe, Dr. Wachtler may recommend special exercises to minimize muscle imbalance in your toes. He may suggest padding to protect your toe and keep it flat.

Custom orthotics, placed in the front part of your shoe, can control your foot function and prevent hammertoe from worsening.

If you have rigid hammertoe, Dr. Wachtler can perform outpatient surgery to remove the bony prominence, restore tendon alignment, and rebalance muscles. Hammertoe surgery rarely requires significant downtime.

Do you have a developing or alreadyprominent hammertoe? You can count on Cedar Grove Foot & Ankle Specialists for help. Call the office or schedule with online booking anytime.

Cedar Grove Foot & Ankle Specialists, 882 Pompton Ave Suite B1, Cedar Grove, 973857-1184.

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