Re: more hammertoes questions

[Guest guest]

Hi Teri,

It means that you don't have complete atrophy in your toes. I can move my toes

also, they are flexible most of the time, except if I am on my feet too long,

after I change shoes, I notice my toes have become sort of rigid.

People in the same family with the same type of CMT often have

different symptoms. No one can determine your progression, that's in your unique

genetic code. My hammertoes have been with me for 20-25 years. When I got my

custom made orthotics, my toes seemed to 'relax' more. I looked into having them

surgically straightened, but the 3 medical opinions I had all advised me not to

have surgery, unless I had pain, which I didn't. Nightly foot massages and

manual stretching of my toes really helps.

I'd suggest you consult with an Orthopedist (MD) who specializes in

care of the feet. One that is a member of AOFAS. In their website you can search

for a doctor.

http://www.aofas.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1

and there's info on feet and hammertoes (with drawings) at

http://www.aofas.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3308

Gretchen

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the information Gretchen. Do you get cramps in your toes and feet?

Man, can that hurt!! Assuming that the massaging would help this?

Any suggestions to stop it from happening?

Teri

[Guest guest]

Hi Teri,

No, I don't get feet or toe cramps, but maybe because of my orthotics

and shoe changes. I just get the sporadic burning feeling underneath

my feet. It took me awhile to figure out that wearing socks made my

feet burn more frequently, and here in So. Calif. it is natural to not

wear socks.

Yes, massaging is wonderful for the feet, also soaking them in hot

water before and after loosens them up. I also get alot of Magnesium in my diet

and in my water and I feel that keeps feet cramps away.

Gretchen

[Guest guest]

My dad, my daughter and I get foot cramps. The rest of the family

thinks we are hilarious when we roll up in a ball and then try to

straighten the foot by standing on it, all the while yelping and hoping around.

A few things I have found that help: keep hydrated (happens more when I'm dried

out), zinc supplements (like a zinc lozenge now and then) and quinine which you

can usually find in selzer water, just read the label. My dad likes to mix

selzer with a glass of orange juice in the morning. I don't know if those are

placebos, but they seem to help. I've noticed that it has gotten better as I've

gotten older.

I, too get the burning on the feet. I never thought about it, Gretchen, but

socks do exacerbate it. It's too cold even in CA to go without right now though!

Holli in Topanga, CA

[Guest guest]

Hi Holly,

Thanks for your reply and your helpful hints. Those cramps really are

painful! Burning of the feet, yes I get that too. Sometimes in my hands also

but not to the degree in the feet. It seems to mainly happen at night when I am

reading in bed and have my legs bend and feet flat on the matttress. Haven't

made the association with the socks. Will have to pay better attention.

Thank you again!

Teri