BOARD CERTIFIED DOCTORS

1607 VISA DRIVE, SUITE 5B

NORMAL, ILLINOIS 61761

          (309) 452-3000

HAMMERTOES

  TREATMENT

What Are Hammer Toes?

Generally speaking, "hammer toe" means a bending of any of the toe joints. Joints in the middle or at the end of the toe, as well as the joint near the ball of the foot, may be involved. Toe joints can curve and buckle because of tight tendons or muscle imbalance. Some hammer toes are severe, depending on how many of the joints are involved.

Tight shoes, pantyhose or socks can be the cause of hammertoes.

There are two different kinds of hammertoes, flexible joint or rigid joint. A flexible joint may turn into a rigid joint as you get older.

     *A FLEXIBLE JOINT-You can straighten out with                your fingers. Even though they look painful,

       they usually are not.

     *A RIGID JOINT-Is not movable, even with

       your fingers. Rigid joints can be painful and

       cause discomfort. They may disable foot

       bio-mechanics, putting extra pressure

       and stress on the ball  of the foot, causing

       a callus on the sole of the foot.                          

   Wear the correct size shoes

Use crescent pads

  Visit your podiatrist for digital x-rays

   Surgery