Hammertoes & Claw toes
Hammertoe & Claw Toe Treatments
for Lockport, Niagara Falls, NY & Beyond
The difference one toe can make is often underestimated. All of our weight balances on our two feet, and each one of the 52 bones in our feet needs to be aligned properly. Otherwise, our entire body can be negatively impacted. From our toes to our heels and ankles, all must be in proper alignment. Our feet don’t just provide balance and stability. They also affect how much pressure is put on our hips, knees, and spine. What may start out as a limp from an injured toe, could quickly turn into hip discomfort or back pain. If you suspect that your foot has a hammertoe or a claw toe, we recommend getting in touch with our foot doctor serving Niagara Falls, Lockport, NY, and the surrounding area.
What is Hammertoe & Claw Toe?
Hammertoe and claw toe are foot deformities in which a toe joint is abnormally bent. If you notice a toe on your foot that appears bent or clenched instead of straight, you might have a hammertoe or claw toe. Depending on which toe joint is bent determines whether you have a claw toe or a hammertoe. A bent middle joint usually refers to a hammertoe, whereas claw toes occurs when the end joint of your toe is bent. Regardless of which joint is bent, discomfort may follow.
What Causes a Hammertoe or Claw Toe?
While genetic conditions may contribute to a person getting a foot deformity, both hammertoes and claw toes are often caused by restrictive footwear. Shoes and socks that are too tight squeeze your toes together in an unnatural way. The longer your feet are compressed tightly, the more your toe muscles become imbalanced. Anytime you purchase new shoes, it is important to make sure your toes have enough room to spread out comfortably. It is especially important to make sure young children get new shoes as their feet grow.
Contact Our Foot Surgeon in Niagara Falls, NY
Make sure you seek treatment for your hammertoe or claw toe and get in touch with our experienced podiatrist. If you suspect that you have a foot deformity, the best action you can take is speaking with an experienced foot doctor. After our foot doctor has inspected your feet, he can give suggestions on how to improve your condition. Then he can recommend any further steps you can take. Maybe you need padding in your shoes, custom orthotics, or even surgery.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment in the Niagara Falls and Lockport, NY area.