Hammer toe treatment in Türkiye
What is Hammer toe?
Hammer toe: A deformity that causes the toe to be bent or curved downward instead of pointing forward. This deformity can affect any toe. It often affects the second or third toe. Although hammertoe may be present at birth, it usually develops over time due to arthritis or improper footwear, such as narrow or pointy heels. In most cases, mallet toe can be treated.
What causes mallet finger?
The toe has two joints that allow it to bend in the middle and bottom. Hammer toe occurs when the joint flexes downward.
Common reasons for this include:
- Toe injury
- arthritis
- An unusually high arch of the foot
- Wearing inappropriate shoes
- Tightening of the ligaments or tendons in the foot
- Pressure due to calluses bunion in the thumb, which is when the big toe points inward toward the second toe
Damage to the spinal cord or peripheral nerves may cause the toes to bend downward.
Risk factors for hammertoe
They include:
- Hereditary cases of hammer toe
- Chronically wearing narrow or pointed-toed shoes
- Presence of calluses or bunions, and calluses (thickened layers of skin caused by prolonged and repeated friction)
And wearing shoes that are too small can force the toe joints into an unnatural position. This makes it impossible for the muscles to stretch. Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly increases your risk of:
- Mallet fingers
- Blisters and sores
- Oncology
- nails
Signs and symptoms
Hammer toe causes discomfort when walking. It can also cause pain when trying to pull or move the affected toe on or around it. Symptoms of hammer toe may be mild or severe.
Mild symptoms are:
- A downward curved toe
- presence of nails
- difficulty walking
- Inability to bend the foot or wiggle the toes
- Claw-like fingers
The severe symptoms are:
It is best to see an orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist immediately if signs such as swelling and redness of the toe appear, along with the mild symptoms mentioned.
How is mallet finger diagnosed?
A doctor can usually diagnose hammer toe during a physical exam. Imaging tests, such as X-rays , may be necessary if the person has an injury to the bones, muscles, or ligaments in the toe.
How is hammer toe treated?
The severity of the condition determines the treatment options for hammertoe
Simple hammertoe treatment
Hammerheads caused by ill-fitting shoes can be corrected by wearing well-fitting shoes. If the high arch of the foot is causing this condition, wearing toe pads or insoles in shoes can help. These bandages work by repositioning the toe, relieving pain and correcting the appearance of the toe.
Pads, sanitary pads, or over-the-counter medications can usually be used to treat bumps and sores. However, if they are painful or cause deformity of the toes, the doctor may choose to remove them surgically.
The grains (germ grains) on the toes should not be touched as this can cause pain and infection. Over-the-counter creams and pads should be used to relieve pain and prevent blisters from rubbing against the inside of the shoe.
Gently stretching the toes can also help relieve pain and reposition the injured toe.
Severe hammertoe treatment
If the patient is unable to flex the toe, surgery is the only option to restore motion. Surgery can reposition the toe, remove deformed or injured bones, and realign tendons and joints. The surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis, so you can go home the same day after the surgery.
How can hammer toe be prevented?
The best advice for preventing a hammertoe injury is to wear well-fitting shoes.
If the person wears high heels, the heel height should be 2 inches or less. Wearing high-heeled shoes increases pressure on the toes, causing them to bend. It can also cause calluses and high arches.
post treatment
After treating the causes of hammertoe, it usually goes away without complications. However, waiting too long for treatment can cause the surrounding toes to become deformed, as the mallet toe forces them out of position. So it is best to get treatment as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed.
How can I book for hammertoe treatment in Türkiye?
- Free medical support on the phone: You will have a dedicated representative for your health condition who is always ready to answer your questions.
- Free consultation with a specialist doctor: Your medical representative will consult with a number of doctors and hospitals to find the best possible treatments.
- Free travel visa arrangement: We will contact the embassy in your country to assist you in obtaining a visa to visit Türkiye.
- Free itinerary planning: We will create a schedule for your medical trip to Türkiye.
- Free translation of documents and reports: We will translate medical documents and reports into Turkish on your behalf.
- Free support and monitoring: We will monitor the stages of treatment and be by your side every step of the way.
- Free instant translation: We will be with you during the treatment stages to provide translation between you and the medical team.
- Free accommodation and transportation coordination: We will book accommodation for you and your companions in Türkiye, along with transportation services.
Contact REHABTÜRK doctors for more information about the procedure and to evaluate your medical condition.
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