Hammertoe and Ingrown Toenail Treatment
Expert Help for Ingrown Toenails and Hammertoes
Hammertoes, mallet toes, and ingrown toenails are painful, but you can count on Mid Nebraska Foot Clinic for relief. Our experienced podiatrist uses the latest in medical treatments and techniques to help patients with these conditions. Same-day appointments may be available, so call now.
What Are the Symptoms and Causes of Hammertoes?
Hammertoes and mallet toes are very similar with one main difference — hammertoe affects the middle joint of your toe, and mallet toe affects the joint closest to your foot. Hammertoe is any toe that has curled as a result of a bend within the middle joint.
This condition can be found with other conditions such as
calluses ,
bunions, and more.
The most common cause of hammertoe is ill-fitting shoes that deform the structure of the toe. Certain diseases and conditions that cause nerve, joint, or muscle damage can cause hammertoes, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, strokes, and diabetes. When bent for long periods, the muscles inside the toe can shorten.
Factors that can increase your risk of developing a hammertoe:
- Some people can be structurally prone to the development of hammertoes
- Tight-fitting footwear
- Smaller and weaker muscles within the foot may also contribute
- Some structural deformity can actually be due to genetic predisposition
- Some type of previous trauma like a broken or severely stubbed toe
Let Us Treat Your Hammertoe
One of the easiest ways to alleviate the pressure and pain of hammertoe can be a change in footwear or shoe inserts.
Severe cases of hammertoe can be corrected with surgical procedures. Depending on each individual case, there may be post-surgery stiffness, redness, and swelling. Your toe may also be longer or shorter than before the surgery. Long walks should be avoided, and your foot should be kept elevated as often as possible while your toe heals.
Give us a call today to learn more and find out the best way to help cure your hammertoe.
Ingrown Toenails & Treatment
Learn About Ingrown Toenails and Their Causes
Ingrown toenails are a common type of nail disease that can inhibit your mobility and cause severe discomfort. This condition occurs when the edge of the nail curves into the soft tissue that encases the nail, which can be extremely painful. While ingrown nails are usually seen on your toes, they can occur on any nail.
The primary cause of ingrown toenails is ill-fitting footwear, which causes your nails to grow in a potentially harmful way. Other factors, such as poor nail maintenance or bad pedicures, can contribute. You may have a genetic predisposition for ingrown toenails depending on the way your feet form.
The symptoms of ingrown toenails include swelling, redness, infected drainage, pain, and discomfort along the sides of the toenail, which increases with pressure. This pain can become unbearable, which limits your daily mobility if not properly treated.
Come to Us for Ingrown Toenail Treatments
The best way to prevent ingrown toenails is to cut the toenail straight across the top. Personal treatment of ingrown toenails works best in the beginning stages and only when the ingrown toenail is causing minor discomfort. There are over-the-counter drugs you can purchase, and you can soak your toe in warm water and Epsom salts.
If you are bleeding or have a pus-like discharge, you should visit Mid Nebraska Foot Clinic immediately. Waiting to seek medical treatment can cause the infection to worsen and make it harder to treat.
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Mid Nebraska Foot Clinic
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