An important function of the toes is to provide balance when walking. They also help in bearing the weight of the body from the feet, and their role in running is even greater.
If the toes did not exist, the walking mechanism would not work. The gait would be completely different and the balance would certainly be worse.
Running, sports, injury, diseases such as arthritis and gout, etc. can lead to problems in the fingers. One very common deformity is a hammertoe, which can lead to severe pain and difficulty walking.
The digitus malleus or finger-bug is a folded over middle joint finger. Most often it is the second finger, but the deformity can also affect any other except the thumb.
This condition causes great discomfort due to the friction of the upper in the shoe. It is seen more often in women, and the risk of occurrence increases with age. It is more likely to occur if the second toe is longer than the big toe.
The formation of a toe-bump is the result of an imbalance in the surrounding muscles or tendons and ligaments keeping the toe upright. With a weak muscle or tendon, the finger may not straighten and remain flexed for a long time.
Among the most common causative agents of the finger-bug condition may be:
In the beginning, the affected finger is still elastic and can stand up with pressure because the joint still possesses mobility. Over time, however, its movement is restricted until it reaches permanent immobility.
Other symptoms are:
Diagnosis of a toe-bump is not difficult and is made by the orthopaedic surgeon during the physical examination. An X-ray of the foot may additionally be taken. In a diabetic condition, it may be necessary to undergo tests to find out if there is a neurological condition causing the tendon imbalance.
For a still flexibular deformity, treatment recommended by the toe hammer toe doctor may include wearing wider and comfortable low-heeled shoes, orthotic insoles or pads and cushions to prevent calluses from forming.
Anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to relieve pain.
Various exercises to strengthen the muscles of the fingers are also suitable.
If the deformity is permanent and the pain is very severe, surgical treatment is undertaken. The degree of deformity determines the type of surgery - tenotomy of the flexor muscles or resection of the joint in more severe cases. Techniques such as muscle shortening, tendon lengthening, joint resurfacing, etc. may also be applied.
If it is in the early stages, the condition of finger-tap disease can be slowed down through physiotherapy treatments and massage techniques.
Exercises help to strengthen the muscles of the fingers and the mobility of the tendons and joints and prevent complete stiffness. Improvements in lymph flow, tissue trophicity and range of motion occur.
Various massage techniques on the feet, including acupressure combined with toe agitation, helps to make them more flexible. Partial massage can be applied alone or combined with manual techniques and other treatments.
Incorporating massage and gymnastic exercises, painkillers and wearing comfortable shoes in the early stages of diagnosis are very important for more confident and pain-free movement.
More timely help from a specialist orthotist and physiotherapist means less discomfort with a toe-bump and less likelihood that the deformity will worsen and lead to surgery.
