WHAT’S UP WITH NAIL FUNGUS?
As a condition, nail fungus is one of those ailments you find yourself wondering: who do I go to for treatment? The most common type of nail fungus is that which affects the toes -- primarily our big toe.
Imagine that one day you’re looking down at your feet and you notice something off about your toes. You notice that the second or third toe in from your big toe looks a bit different than the others. While your other toes lay pretty flat, you might have one that is starting to look as if it’s lifting upwards. Many people describe it as ‘sticking up’ or curling inwards, and will also note that a callus accompanies the top of the toe where it’s started rubbing on their shoe. This is commonly known as “hammertoe,” a condition where the muscles within the affected toe begin to weaken and cause digital contracture, i.e. abnormal tightening, which results in the physical deformity of the toe.
This can happen to anyone for various reasons. You either have genetics to blame or you may want to reconsider the types of shoes you wear on a regular basis. If your mom or grandfather has hammertoe, chances are you’re at risk for developing it too! For those of us who frequently wear fashionable shoes, such as high heels, this greatly increases our risk of developing hammertoe too. Other conditions, such as neuromuscular diseases or diabetes, can put you at a higher risk of developing hammertoe as well. Want to tackle hammertoe like a pro? Here are some quick and easy tips!
Try out a different pair of shoes, something much more comfortable and foot-friendly. This is one of your best defenses against developing hammertoe in the first place. If you’ve already developed hammertoe, it’s a great way to manage it from developing further and can possibly help you avoid surgical intervention.
Another tip is to ask your podiatrists at Grand Central Footcare, Dr. Les J. Glubo, Dr. Dawn O. Figlo, and Dr. Mohammad Z. Rimawi, for some helpful exercises. There are specific exercises to help relieve some discomfort and strengthen the muscles that have become contracted and deformed, helping them to relax. When all else fails, don’t just deal with it! Call us today at (212) 697-3293 to schedule your next appointment to get help. Our office is conveniently located in Manhattan in New York City!
