Hammertoe

Bent Out of Shape: Understanding and Treating Hammertoe

Hammertoe is an abnormality that can occur in the second, third, and/or fourth toe. This condition causes an irregular bend in the middle joint of a toe that makes the toe curl toward the sole of the foot. Hammertoe can develop for numerous reasons, but most indications point to continuous wear of improper footwear, a misaligned foot structure, trauma or injury, and/or certain disease processes like arthritis. These situations can cause an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that normally do the work of holding the toe straight. If diagnosed early and changes are made, it is possible to avoid further development of the condition. It’s important to know that hammertoes will not get better without some kind of medical intervention.

If you are beginning to develop hammertoe, symptoms can include pain or discomfort in your toes, swelling, redness, a burning sensation, the formation of corns, calluses, or sores, and/or an inability to straighten the toe. If left untreated, the tendons in your toes will contract and tighten over time, and you will be left with a permanently bent toe. While the toes are still flexible, physical therapy and other non-surgical methods can help. Your podiatrist may also recommend the use of orthotics, spacers, spreaders, and/or stretchers, depending on the severity of the case.

If the hammertoe develops to the point where the tendons have locked in place, surgical intervention typically becomes necessary to correct the issue. There are a number of different procedures available, and if you have other foot issues that require correction, your surgeon may suggest doing them at the same time. Conditions like bunions may also be present, and it often makes the most sense to ensure all foot issues are addressed and resolved. This reduces the chance of recurrence.

While many foot problems have a genetic component, preventative care plays a crucial role in maintaining long-term foot health. The shoes you wear can significantly influence how your feet feel and function over time. You may have gotten a deal on those too-small, too-narrow shoes you insisted on wearing for years, but there is a better-than-average chance you will pay for that later, both literally and metaphorically. It’s important to:

• Keep your feet clean and dry
• Pay attention to your soles
• Keep them moisturized
• Wear supportive shoes with a toe box that does not crowd your feet nor rub against your toes, creating corns

Most importantly, try to address issues early. Prevention is a far better and less expensive health strategy than addressing issues after they’ve become problematic.

For more information about our doctors who specialize in caring for foot and ankle issues, call (855) 386-7846 or visit our website at fvortho.com.