Terri Johnson from Richmond, Virginia had an obsession with high heels. She loved the way they looked, and the way they made her feel like a character from “Sex and the City” when she wore a different pair every day. One day she started feeling a strange pain in one of her feet. Her guess was plantar fasciitis, but her doctor told her it was a more serious condition called hammertoe. She told Johnson the only way to ensure it would go away would be to stop wearing heels.
Johnson was extremely troubled by this, but eventually she realized she didn’t have a choice. She started wearing sneakers everywhere, joined a gym, and got into the habit of going running. Her feet improved greatly, and today she is much healthier. She still wears high heels on special occasions, but knows she has to limit herself or else her feet will get cramps.
Hammertoe is not that common, but those who have it know how much it hurts. If you believe you have hammertoe or are concerned about developing one, contact a podiatrist like Dr. Andrew H. Cohen of Mid-Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Cohen can teach you what causes this deformity and instruct you on how to care for it.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is little-known a painful condition that affects the second, third and fourth toes involving different joints of the toe and foot. Hammertoe can be caused by many other conditions such as RA (rheumatoid arthritis), osteoarthritis, trauma or injuries to your foot, it can be hereditary and it can also be caused by a cerebral vascular accident. If you wear shoes that are too narrow or short for your feet, it may exacerbate any pain you already have.
It is really important to your overall well-being to seek out medical attention at the first signs of foot pain or anything that may hinder your ability to walk in a normal manner. Taking care of your feet is one of the first steps to being able to live a full and healthy life.
If you have any questions, please contact our offices in Saginaw, MI and Essexville, MI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Hammertoe.