A hammertoe develops when a toe bends at its middle joint instead of lying flat. The end points downward, giving the toe a hammer-like shape. It usually affects the second toe, but it can affect other toes. Early on, the toe can remain flexible enough to straighten. As the problem progresses, tight muscles and tendons can hold it in a stiff position. The raised joint can rub against the inside of a shoe, causing pain, redness, or swelling. Corns, calluses, and blisters can also form. These sore spots can make standing and walking uncomfortable.
Shoes that are short, narrow, or too tight can force a toe into a bent position. High heels also push the toes toward the front of the shoe. Risk can rise when a toe is longer than the others or when a bunion crowds nearby toes. Arthritis can also affect the joints and contribute to the problem. A podiatrist diagnoses hammertoe by examining the foot, checking the toe’s movement, and asking about pain. X-rays can show the position of the bones and the degree of joint damage. An accurate diagnosis also helps rule out other causes of forefoot pain.
Treatment depends on whether the toe is flexible or stiff and how much discomfort it causes. A podiatrist can recommend properly fitted shoes with a wide toe box and suitable support. Custom orthotics can improve foot balance and reduce pressure on the affected area. Professional padding or splinting can protect sore skin and guide a flexible toe into a better position. The podiatrist can also remove thick corns or calluses safely and monitor changes in the joint. When the deformity is severe, rigid, or painful despite these measures, surgery can straighten the toe and improve function. If you have foot pain caused by a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
- Pain in the affected toes
- Development of corns or calluses due to friction
- Inflammation
- Redness
- Contracture of the toes
Causes
Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Contact Us . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
