Hammertoes

A hammertoe is a toe that bends at the middle joint, causing it to resemble a hammer. The toe may also become stiff and painful. Hammertoes are common, affecting about 23% of adults over the age of 65. They are more common in women than men.

Causes of Hammertoes

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of hammertoes, including:

Shoe wear: Shoes that are too tight or narrow can put pressure on the toes, causing them to bend.
Arthritis: Arthritis can cause the toe joints to become stiff and painful, making it difficult to keep the toes straight.
Injury: An injury to the toe, such as a broken toe, can also cause the toe to bend.
Genetics: Some people are more likely to develop hammertoes due to their genes.

Symptoms of Hammertoes

The most common symptom of hammertoes is pain in the toe. The toe may also be red, swollen, and tender. In some cases, the toe may become so bent that it rubs against the shoe, causing a corn or callus.

Treatment for Hammertoes   

There are several treatments for hammertoes, including:

Shoe wear: Wearing shoes that are wide enough and have a deep toe box can help to relieve pressure on the toes.
Toe splints or braces: Toe splints or braces can be used to keep the toes straight, and custom foot orthotics.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct hammertoes. Surgery can be used to straighten the toe, remove the bone spur, and release the tendons and ligaments that are pulling on the toe.

Prevention of Hammertoes

There are several things you can do to help prevent hammertoes, including:

Wear shoes that fit well: Shoes that are too tight or narrow can put pressure on the toes, causing them to bend.
Avoid high heels: High heels can put stress on the toes and make it more likely to develop hammertoes.
Exercise regularly: Exercise can help to keep the muscles and tendons in the feet strong, which can help to prevent hammertoes.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can put more stress on the feet, making it more likely to develop hammertoes.

Other Toe Deformities

Hammertoes are just one type of toe deformity. Other types of toe deformities include:

Claw toe: A claw toe is similar to a hammertoe, but the toe bends at both the middle and end joints.

Mallet toe: A mallet toe is a toe that bends at the end joint, causing the toe to curl down.
Overlapping toe: An overlapping toe is a toe that overlaps the toe next to it.

If you are concerned about a toe deformity, be sure to contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph E. Mechanik-dual Board Certified Podiatrist.