Thanks, you have been very helpful. Still looking for a doctor. Found one that I was about to go with, but looked up reviews and they were average. Really wanted some 5 stars!
@anet, I don't blame you for wanting to find a highly rated podiatrist. My big worry is about making the toes worse than they already are. My big toe and the one next to it on the right foot are the worse and a couple on my left foot. The toes are almost pointing straight down but they don't hurt. It does make it extremely hard to trim my toenails 🙂
Mine does not hurt either if I can put something between my toes to keep the crossed over toe from rubbing on my shoes. I am afraid of doing something to make it start hurting. My second toe is perfectly straight. Just leans toward my big toe and if not restrained pops up on top of it. The podiatrist made sense as far as loosening the tendon. Just wish he was more highly recommended.
Mine does not hurt either if I can put something between my toes to keep the crossed over toe from rubbing on my shoes. I am afraid of doing something to make it start hurting. My second toe is perfectly straight. Just leans toward my big toe and if not restrained pops up on top of it. The podiatrist made sense as far as loosening the tendon. Just wish he was more highly recommended.
I know, but it takes only one disgruntled patient giving you nine star to bring you down. He was very nice and his diagnosis made sense to me. I didn’t see the ratings until after the visit. I did feel like he did not examine my foot very well. He mainly just looked at it and said the tendon was tight. I thought he should have moved the toes more to see if they hurt or moved like they should. He also said the crossover toe was very common and he does this procedure a lot and it doesn’t take long. Said he liked to use the most conservative method. I’m like you—don’t want to do anything to make it hurt!
John, I went to a podiatrist about the problem with my toe. I have not done anything about it yet. However he said it is a common problem and said it can be repaired by releasing a tendon that is pulling the toe across. He said it requires a small incision and a stitch. An in-office procedure that takes a few minutes. After reading the article you directed me to, I am hesitant to believe it could be this simple. This doctor is affiliated with a well respected bone and joint clinic in my area. I am tempted to let him do the procedure. I read what reviews were available and some said they were very satisfied and as usual a few that said they would never go back to him. Don’t know what to do. Podiatrists don’t seem to have a good reputation for some reason. But I did read that for foot problems that’s who you should see and for all other joint problems an orthopedic surgeon. What do you think?
The first time had a little poke under 4 toes
Fantastic
Flex toes 👧
Other foot
I was butchered!!!
Disaster!
Had another surgery to correct
Still problems and pain!
Vet Drs!
Yes I can bend toes. But I’m worse then before 1st surgery!!
The first time had a little poke under 4 toes
Fantastic
Flex toes 👧
Other foot
I was butchered!!!
Disaster!
Had another surgery to correct
Still problems and pain!
Vet Drs!
Yes I can bend toes. But I’m worse then before 1st surgery!!
I'm so sorry to hear that. Is the foot that had the little poke under the toes still doing well? I hope you will get all this sorted out so that at least you are no longer in pain.
Hello @pjss48, I also have hammer toes which I was not really aware that I had until I was diagnosed with idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy and my Mayo Clinic neurologist asked if I minded if he took a picture of my toes. He explained that he was going to use the photos as part of a seminar on hammer toes that are typical of people who have neuropathy. My sister-in-law who is an RN had the toe surgery and was glad she did. She mentioned that it can cause balance issues and since the surgery she has found it easier to walk. She also had pain with her feet. I had thought about surgery but I don't have any pain with the toes or feet.
I have no medical training or background but I believe the foot surgery is only performed or needed to reestablish proper alignment throughout the foot and/or ankle, to reinforce and repair damaged tissue, and to alleviate pain. Mayo Clinic has some good information on healthy feet here:
Hi @pjss48, are you thinking of having surgery? What does your primary care physician say to do about it? I found some information on prevention from the Mayo Clinic website that may be of interest to you-
Prevention
You can avoid many foot, heel and ankle problems with shoes that fit properly. Here's what to look for when buying shoes:
•Adequate toe room. Avoid shoes with pointed toes.
•Low heels. Avoiding high heels will help you avoid back problems.
•Adjustability. Laced or strapped shoes are roomier and adjustable.
These additional tips can help you buy the right shoes:
•Buy shoes at the end of the day. Your feet swell throughout the day.
•Check your size. As you age, your shoe size might change — especially the width. Measure both feet and buy for the larger foot.
•Buy shoes that fit. Be sure shoes are comfortable before you buy them. If necessary, a shoe repair store might be able to stretch shoes in tight spots, but it's better to buy them to fit.
Hi Angie, It's good to hear that the ulcer on the top of hammertoe is doing better. That's what my ortho doc was checking for when I had my last consult about my hammertoes. Fortunately I didn't have any ulcers or infections on the toes which could require surgery. He told me to make sure my shoes had a wide toe box and the material on top was softer and flexible so as not to rub on the top of the toes.
My only worry about the surgery would be if it would make things worse, which my doctor mentioned could happen. Did your doctor or podiatrist offer any suggestions to help with the toe pain?
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@anet, I don't blame you for wanting to find a highly rated podiatrist. My big worry is about making the toes worse than they already are. My big toe and the one next to it on the right foot are the worse and a couple on my left foot. The toes are almost pointing straight down but they don't hurt. It does make it extremely hard to trim my toenails 🙂
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1 ReactionMine does not hurt either if I can put something between my toes to keep the crossed over toe from rubbing on my shoes. I am afraid of doing something to make it start hurting. My second toe is perfectly straight. Just leans toward my big toe and if not restrained pops up on top of it. The podiatrist made sense as far as loosening the tendon. Just wish he was more highly recommended.
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI know, but it takes only one disgruntled patient giving you nine star to bring you down. He was very nice and his diagnosis made sense to me. I didn’t see the ratings until after the visit. I did feel like he did not examine my foot very well. He mainly just looked at it and said the tendon was tight. I thought he should have moved the toes more to see if they hurt or moved like they should. He also said the crossover toe was very common and he does this procedure a lot and it doesn’t take long. Said he liked to use the most conservative method. I’m like you—don’t want to do anything to make it hurt!
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1 ReactionIf u have hammertoe
I had that done years ago on 4 toes
Great 😊 and it solved a lot of other problems.
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1 ReactionMari, it's been a while now since you posted but are you able to bend the middle knuckles on your toes? If not, does it bother you?
The first time had a little poke under 4 toes
Fantastic
Flex toes 👧
Other foot
I was butchered!!!
Disaster!
Had another surgery to correct
Still problems and pain!
Vet Drs!
Yes I can bend toes. But I’m worse then before 1st surgery!!
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI'm so sorry to hear that. Is the foot that had the little poke under the toes still doing well? I hope you will get all this sorted out so that at least you are no longer in pain.
I also have a hammertoe that developed an ulcer on top, it's better now but still very painful. I'm thinking about the surgery.
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2 ReactionsI've had a number of hammer toes straightened. Just be sure you have an orthopedic surgeon who is an expert and specialized in feet.
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4 ReactionsHi Angie, It's good to hear that the ulcer on the top of hammertoe is doing better. That's what my ortho doc was checking for when I had my last consult about my hammertoes. Fortunately I didn't have any ulcers or infections on the toes which could require surgery. He told me to make sure my shoes had a wide toe box and the material on top was softer and flexible so as not to rub on the top of the toes.
My only worry about the surgery would be if it would make things worse, which my doctor mentioned could happen. Did your doctor or podiatrist offer any suggestions to help with the toe pain?