Hammertoe Treatment in Seattle | Expert Podiatry Care at The Wellness Firm

Hammertoes occur when one or more of your toes becomes curled due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments. This condition can be extremely bothersome and, if left untreated, may worsen over time. Whether caused by an injury, poor footwear choices, or genetic factors, hammertoes can be managed effectively with the right treatment.

If you’re in Seattle, West Seattle, Bellevue, Shoreline, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Redmond, Bothell, Renton, or Capitol Hill, we are here to help. Our team at The Wellness Firm Seattle | Podiatrist and Naturopathic Medicine, led by Dr. Alexis, offers comprehensive care designed to address the root causes of hammertoes while providing relief from discomfort.

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The Causes of Hammertoe

Hammertoes generally develop as a result of an imbalance in the muscles and tendons that control the movement of the toes. This imbalance can lead to a toe that becomes fixed in a bent position. The primary causes of hammertoes include:

• Improper Footwear: Tight, narrow shoes or high heels that force your toes into unnatural positions can increase the likelihood of developing hammertoes.
• Genetics: Some individuals inherit a predisposition to develop hammertoes due to the structure of their feet.
• Injury: Previous foot injuries can result in muscle imbalances that lead to hammertoe formation.
• Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to joint deformities, including hammertoes.

If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or difficulty when walking due to hammertoes, it’s time to seek professional help. The Wellness Firm Seattle | Podiatrist and Naturopathic Medicine provides tailored treatment plans to ensure optimal care and recovery.

Common Symptoms of Hammertoe

The symptoms of hammertoe can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Early symptoms typically include:

• Pain and discomfort in the affected toe, especially when wearing shoes.
• Swelling or redness around the toe joint.
• Corn or callus formation on the top of the toe, where it rubs against footwear.
• Restricted toe movement or difficulty straightening the toe.

In more advanced cases, hammertoes can cause significant pain, limiting mobility and affecting your quality of life. If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to get a professional evaluation as soon as possible to prevent further complications.

Non-Surgical Hammertoe Treatment Options

At The Wellness Firm Seattle | Podiatrist and Naturopathic Medicine, we focus on non-invasive treatments for hammertoes that can help alleviate pain and restore foot function. While surgery is sometimes necessary for advanced cases, we aim to explore all conservative treatment options first.

1. Custom Orthotics
   One of the most effective non-surgical treatments for hammertoes is custom orthotics. These specially designed shoe inserts help correct the alignment of your feet and relieve pressure on your toes. Custom orthotics are tailored to your unique foot structure, ensuring maximum comfort and support. They can reduce pain caused by hammertoes and even slow down the progression of the condition.

If you’re interested in learning more about custom orthotics, which can provide relief from hammertoes and other foot problems, don’t hesitate to contact us at The Wellness Firm Seattle | Podiatrist and Naturopathic Medicine for a consultation.

2. Corticosteroid Injections

For more advanced cases, corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the toe joint. These injections work by targeting the inflamed areas, providing relief and improving your mobility. While not a permanent solution, corticosteroid injections can offer significant temporary relief, allowing you to manage symptoms until a more permanent treatment plan is in place.

3. Buddy Taping

In some cases, buddy taping may be recommended to help straighten the affected toe. This method involves taping the affected toe to its neighboring toe, providing support and helping the joint align properly. While this approach works best in the early stages of hammertoe development, it can still offer short-term relief for some patients.

4. Footwear Modifications

Changing your footwear can have a big impact on reducing the pain caused by hammertoes. Shoes that are too tight or high-heeled place added pressure on your toes, worsening the condition. Our team can help you select appropriate footwear that provides ample room for your toes and minimizes stress on the joint. Orthotic-friendly shoes with cushioned soles and wider toe boxes are often recommended.

5. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

A physical therapy plan that includes stretching and strengthening exercises for the feet can help address the underlying muscle imbalances contributing to hammertoes. Regular exercises that target your foot muscles can improve flexibility and strength, which can relieve pressure on the affected toes and slow the progression of the condition.

When Surgery Is Considered

While non-surgical treatments can be highly effective, surgery may be considered when the condition is severe, causing significant pain and functional limitations. Hammertoe surgery involves correcting the joint deformity by releasing tight tendons, removing bone spurs, or fusing the joint. It is generally recommended only after conservative treatments have failed.

Surgery for hammertoe is typically reserved as a last resort, and it’s essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a medical professional. Our goal at The Wellness Firm Seattle | Podiatrist and Naturopathic Medicine is to help you avoid surgery by using less invasive options to treat your hammertoes.

Why Choose The Wellness Firm Seattle | Podiatrist and Naturopathic Medicine?

At The Wellness Firm Seattle | Podiatrist and Naturopathic Medicine, we are committed to providing expert care for patients suffering from hammertoes and other foot-related conditions. Led by Dr. Alexis, our team offers the latest treatment options to ensure that you receive the best care available. We focus on non-invasive treatments first, but when surgery is necessary, we provide clear guidance and expert support throughout the process.

If you’re dealing with hammertoe pain in Seattle, don’t wait to get the help you need. We serve patients in West Seattle, Capitol Hill, Shoreline, Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Renton, and other nearby locations.

Our clinic offers a variety of solutions for treating hammertoes, from custom orthotics to corticosteroid injections, all designed to improve your foot health and restore your quality of life.

Let Us Fix Your Foot Pain

Hammertoes don’t have to control your life. Whether you need a custom orthotic solution, corticosteroid injections, or simply a change in footwear, The Wellness Firm Seattle | Podiatrist and Naturopathic Medicine offers the expertise and treatments to get you back on your feet. Serving Seattle and the surrounding areas, we are your local source for expert podiatry care.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you’re ready to take the next step toward treating your hammertoes and improving your foot health, we’re here to help. Schedule your appointment at The Wellness Firm Seattle | Podiatrist and Naturopathic Medicine today, or give us a call at (206) 707-9112. Our team is ready to provide you with the care you need.