Straight Talk on Hammer Toes: The Toe-tally Important Facts

Big news! 👟✨ We’ve teamed up with DARCO to bring you 25% off the POGO shoe? Want to keep walking strong and prevent ulcers before they start? Visit darcodirect.com/product/pogo/ and use our exclusive code FootFiles25 at checkout to save 25% off your pair. Welcome back to the Diabetic Foot Files, where Dr. G dives into the intricate world of hammer toes, a small deformity with the potential for major complications. Learn about the distinction between flexible and rigid hammer toes and the underlying causes ranging from biomechanical imbalances to systemic conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Explore the symptoms, which often include visible toe contracture, calluses, pain during walking, and the high risk of ulceration. Discover the various conservative treatments available, including footwear adjustments, orthotics, physical therapy, and more. Find out why early intervention with podiatric care can prevent further complications. When conservative treatments are exhausted, Dr. G explains the surgical options such as PIPJ arthroplasty and flexor tenotomy, discussing the factors influencing the choice of procedure. Gain insights into post-operative care, potential complications, and special considerations for diabetic patients to ensure healing and avoid recurrence. This episode is a comprehensive guide on how to tackle hammer toes effectively, aiming to improve foot function and quality of life, especially in diabetic patients. Join Dr. G in finding the right path to healthier feet and take proactive steps towards treatment.