What is hammertoe?
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that causes a bend (contracture) in the middle joint of your toe. When the deformity affects the joint closest to your toenail, it’s called mallet toe. Hammertoe and mallet toe most often occur in your second, third, or fourth toes.
What causes hammertoe?
The most common cause of hammertoes is an imbalance in the muscles and tendons of your toes. Poorly fitting shoes, including high heels and tight-fitting shoes with a narrow toe box, often aggravate this condition. In some cases, hammertoe results from prior trauma, like stubbing or breaking your toe.
What are the symptoms of hammertoe?
The most obvious symptom of hammertoe is an abnormal bend in the middle joint of your toe. Other common hammertoe symptoms include:
- Pain or irritation while wearing shoes
- Difficulty finding comfortable shoes
- Corns and calluses on the toes or foot
- Swelling and redness
- Open sores
Hammertoes usually start out mild and are easy to correct with simple treatments. If left untreated, the condition worsens progressively. Over time, your toe may become fixed in a bent position. Hammertoes that are no longer flexible require surgery to straighten.
How is hammertoe diagnosed and treated?
First, your podiatrist at AllCare Foot & Ankle Center thoroughly reviews your symptoms and medical history. They can diagnose hammertoe or mallet toe simply by examining your foot, but they may take an X-ray to evaluate the severity of your condition.
Then, they initiate treatment as soon as possible. Hammertoes that are still flexible may be corrected with nonsurgical treatments, including:
- Changing to shoes with a roomier toe box
- Performing exercises to stretch and strengthen toe muscles
- Wearing orthotic insoles or foot pads
- Splinting or strapping your foot
- Padding corns and calluses
- Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
If your hammertoe persists despite conservative treatment, or if your toe has become rigid, the team at AllCare Foot & Ankle Center may recommend surgery to correct it.
The sooner you schedule an appointment for hammertoe treatment, the greater your chances of correcting it without surgery. Don’t hesitate to call AllCare Foot & Ankle Center, or book an appointment online today.
