Hammertoe & Claw Toe Treatment in Lakewood, CA
Our Podiatrist Provides Top-Notch Care
Hammertoes, also called claw or mallet toes, refer to toes that are bent in an unnatural way. The offending toe or toes will begin to bend upward and, over time, become stiff and immobile. This stiffness can cause you discomfort and pain, creating corns and blisters where your toe rubs against your shoe. Thankfully, the condition can be addressed with our hammertoe and claw toe treatment in Lakewood, CA.
Causes of Hammertoes
A toe begins to curl in when the muscles contract. This contraction of the muscle can be caused by many things, but the most common causes of hammertoes are:
- Frequent wearing of high-heeled or narrow-toed shoes
- A foot structure issue present since birth
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Stroke, cerebral palsy, or degenerative disc disease
- Being bedridden for a long period of time
- A lack of feeling in your feet, often caused by diabetes
- Injury to your toes such as a break, dislocation, or jam
Treatment for Hammertoes
Treatment options for hammertoes depend on what caused the condition, but generally, the pain from hammertoes can be mitigated by switching the patient to more comfortable shoes, encouraging the use of pads or custom orthotics that prevent friction, realigning the afflicted toes using splints or pads, and applying over-the-counter creams that provide relief from the pain associated with corns, blisters, or calluses.
No matter the cause of your painfully tight toes, our specialist is ready and able to create a custom hammertoe treatment plan suited to your unique needs. Our goal is to address the root cause of your pain and ensure that your feet are pain-free!
Experience 5-Star Hammertoe & Claw Toe Treatment in Lakewood, CA
How long does recovery take?
Expect a few weeks off your foot, then some time in a walking boot. Full recovery usually takes a few months, depending on the extent of the reconstruction and how your ankle responds. Physical therapy helps you get your strength back.
When can I drive again?
It depends on which ankle we treat. If it's your left, you may drive an automatic sooner. If it's your right, wait until you can brake safely and we give you the OK.
What happens if I put off surgery?
A loose ankle tends to keep spraining, causing repeated sprains and further damage inside the joint. Over time, that can lead to arthritis.
How can I get my home ready?
Set up a comfortable place to rest when you can safely reach your phone, medications, water, and other essentials. If possible, sleep on the main floor to avoid stairs while you are using crutches or a walker. Move rugs and cords out of the way to avoid tripping hazards. Consider a shower chair for safer bathing, and a friend to help with errands.