A common foot condition, hammertoe affects the shape and function of your toes. Hammertoe occurs when the middle joint of one or more of your toes bends downward, resulting in a claw-like appearance. Hammertoe can cause pain, stiffness, corns and calluses, and difficulty walking. You may also experience low self-esteem and lower quality of life as a result.
You can get hammertoe if you wear tight shoes, have a high arch, injure your toe, or have arthritis or diabetes. There are people who are born with hammertoe or who are predisposed to it. Hammertoe can worsen over time if left untreated, and may even require surgery.
Direct primary care (DPC), a new model of health care that offers you direct access to your primary care provider without involving insurance companies, can help you manage your hammertoe in several ways.
You will receive more time and attention from your provider: DPC providers typically have fewer patients than traditional primary care providers, so they can spend more time addressing your concerns during your visits. You can also contact your provider anytime via phone, email, or video chat, and get same-day or next-day appointments. In this way, you can receive timely, personalized care, and prevent complications or worsening of your hammertoe.
DPCs charge a flat monthly or annual fee that covers most or all primary care services, including consultations, exams, care coordination, and lab tests. In addition to not having to pay copays, deductibles, or coinsurance, you also do not have to deal with billing or paperwork. Also, you know upfront how much your care will cost, so you can plan accordingly. This can save you money and prevent surprise bills and hidden costs.
As opposed to just managing your symptoms, DPC providers focus on preventing and treating the root causes of your health problems. By helping you improve your overall health and wellness, they can decrease your risk of developing chronic diseases or complications. In addition to helping you with weight management, nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, and lifestyle changes, they can also help you prevent hammertoe from getting worse.
Depending on the severity and cause of your hammertoe, your DPC provider may recommend different treatment options, such as:
Modifications to footwear: Wearing shoes that fit well and have enough room for your toes can relieve hammertoe pain and pressure. If you have DPC, your provider can advise you about choosing the right shoes for your feet, as well as avoiding shoes that may worsen your condition, including high heels, pointed toes, and narrow widths. You can also get shoe inserts, pads, or cushions from them to protect your toes.
It is possible to improve your flexibility, strength, and range of motion by doing exercises and stretching that target your toe muscles and joints. Your DPC provider can teach you how to do these exercises and stretches at home, and monitor your progress and results. This can help prevent your hammertoe from becoming rigid or fixed and improve your balance and gait.
Medications and injections: If your hammertoe causes inflammation, swelling, or pain, your DPC provider may prescribe or administer anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or cortisone injections, to alleviate your discomfort and improve your function. In addition, they can adjust your medications as needed if you have underlying conditions such as arthritis or diabetes that may contribute to your hammertoe.
If you have hammertoes that are severe or are not responding to conservative treatments, your DPC provider may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist who can perform surgery to correct your deformity and restore the alignment and function of your toes. To ensure your recovery and healing, your DPC provider can help you prepare for your surgery, coordinate your care with your surgeon, and follow up with you afterward.
As you can see, DPC can offer you many advantages and benefits for managing your hammertoe. The benefits of choosing DPC include more personal, direct, and affordable care for your foot health and overall well-being, as well as a direct, personal relationship with your primary care provider.
According to Hippocrates, "Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity." DPC is a model of medicine that reflects this love and respect for patients and providers.
