Your toe is killing you. The joint at the end of your toe hurts so much you can’t even straighten it. Your toe rubs against the top of your shoe and this makes it feel worse. As a result, you have a corn. The tip of your toe is turned down against your shoe increasing your level of pressure and discomfort. Your toe may even be red and swollen. This condition is called mallet toe.
Mallet toes are usually caused by muscle and bone imbalance. They are most common in the second toe in people where this toe is the longest. People who spend considerable time on their feet, especially those who play sports, are the most likely to suffer from this condition. Arthritis, however, can also lead to mallet toes. If this condition is left ignored, the symptoms may result in an infection and the toe may become permanently fixed and rigid. Also, failure to treat the condition may lead to problems with other weight-bearing joints, such as the hips or knees. For these reasons, it is important for you to see your podiatrist as soon as possible and have your condition taken care of.
Your podiatrist’s goal is to relieve pressure, reduce friction and remove forces from the sensitive area. To avoid the development of further irritation, the treatment should begin by accommodating the deformity. Shoes with a high and broad toe box are effective. Another conservative treatment includes forefoot supports such as toe crests, toe shields and gel toecaps. Gel forefoot supports immediately reduce discomfort and provide relief without drying the skin.
If sufficient results are not received through conservative treatment, your podiatrist may recommend surgery. Surgical treatments are aimed at loosening up the contracted toe joint to allow it to align properly. A fusion between the bones may also be necessary to prevent a recurrence of the problem. Regardless of the type of treatment required, it is important to take immediate action.
Dr. Robert Abrams, DPM, is medical director of the FootCare Center of Santa Clarita.
For more information, please call 661-253-3668 or visit www.killerfeet.net
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