Re: What makes the foot deformity worsen?

[Guest guest]

Atrophy of distal muscles is stressing the joints, pulling them into a

contracture type of position, then walking on this throws off your

entire center of balance.

[Guest guest]

Barbara,

I'm a HUGE fan of stretching. A podiatrist showed me how to support the foot

from the bottom and then stretch the hammer toes out. It hasn't really helped

the hammer toes, but I think it might with time. It at least keeps them limber

and maybe will keep things from getting worse.

In my case, the neuropathy in my feet made the bones brittle. I felt the first

stress fracture in my 3rd metatarsal about ten years ago, but nothing after

that. That created what is called a Charcot joint, where all the bones in the

foot start to break down. I had surgery in September to fuse the foot together

and am still recovering.

Wearing good shoes with orthotics will really help. I didn't know I had a

problem, and hated to wear shoes, so now I'm paying the price for it.

O

[Guest guest]

Barbara,

I too am having alot of problems with shoes. I am the one constantly looking for

shoe recomendations on this site. I now wear an orthotic on my left (see squeeky

shoes, hahaha) and had surgery a while ago on my right. The orhotic seems to

help keep my foot in line (as much as it can with an already deformed foot).

Because of my high arches and foot roll, my ortho says that a bone (I cannot

remember the name of your pinky toe bone) is beginning to protrude.

My suggestion would be to be fit for orthotics ASAP, or, personally, I am a

strong proponent of the surgery. If I had the time and money, I'd do it in a

heartbeat.