How Hammertoes Can Hold You Back As The Social Season Returns
&srotate=0)
Summer is officially here, which means you may be attending more social events this season. These occasions call for dresses, skirts, and your favorite pair of high heels! While heels elongate your legs and make your outfits more elegant, a foot deformity can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. Some conditions can even be painful.
Problems like hammertoe may prevent you from attending popular events this season. Instead, the team at Millennium Podiatry uses safe and reliable methods to address your foot issues in New York City, NY. When you meet with board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr. Suzanne Levine, we can diagnose your condition and provide successful treatment options. Learn more about our podiatry services by scheduling a hammertoe assessment at our clinic.
How do hammertoes form?
High heels add to your natural height and create an attractive silhouette. Women wear heels in all kinds of settings, including anniversaries, weddings, and local social events. Unfortunately, high heels can also force your feet into an uncomfortable position. This is the main reason women get hammertoe, a foot deformity that causes one or more toes to bend or curl in an abnormal way.
Some people are more prone to hammertoe than others. For example, people who are born with long toes are more likely to have this condition because it is difficult to find shoes that fit well. Either way, it is important to understand the symptoms so you can get help from a podiatrist.
Do I have a hammertoe?
The most common hammertoe symptom is the appearance of a curved or bent toe. You may feel pain or stiffness in the affected toe, making it difficult to move around. You can also develop corns or calluses from the skin rubbing together. When symptoms interfere with your daily activities, or you can no longer wear shoes comfortably, it is time to see a podiatrist for your next steps.
At Millennium Podiatry in New York, Dr. Levine can perform an assessment to understand the root of your problem. We may ask about your health history and how often you wear certain kinds of shoes, including high heels. Once we diagnose your hammertoe, we can discuss proper treatment options.
How do you treat hammertoe?
There are several ways to manage hammertoe based on the severity of your condition. If your toe is still flexible, it can be corrected with a minor procedure at our office. A more rigid hammertoe may require a surgery called arthroplasty, which is performed using local anesthesia. During arthroplasty, Dr. Levine carefully removes a small portion of the bone to remove the deformity and relieve pain. Patients return home from this procedure in a comfortable surgical shoe.
How do I prevent hammertoe?
Hammertoe symptoms, like curled or bent toes, should never be taken lightly. The specialists at Millennium Podiatry can provide helpful information about preventing hammertoe at our facility. Options include lifestyle changes, such as wearing special insoles and making sure you are wearing the right-sized shoes. During your consultation, Dr. Levine can also recommend ways to wear high heels, so they don’t cause any issues in the future.
Visit a podiatrist for hammertoe treatment
Are you ready to return to social events in style? If you enjoy wearing high heels in New York City, NY, meet with board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr. Suzanne Levine. Our clinic can diagnose and treat your hammertoe symptoms so you can enjoy your favorite pair of heels again. Speak with a member of our team at Millennium Podiatry to set up your appointment today.