Hammertoe

Hammertoe Q&A

What is hammertoe?

Hammertoe is a condition where one of your toes begins to bend abnormally. Typically, it’s your second toe that begins bending abnormally at the middle joint, but it can also occur in your third, fourth, and fifth toe.

The most common cause of hammertoe is wearing shoes that are narrow or too tight, which causes your toe to bend upward. When this occurs repeatedly, your tendons and muscles begin to tighten and shorten, pulling your toe into the bent position.

You may also be at increased risk for developing hammertoe if you have a bunion, a bony bump that forms on the base of the joint in your big toe, or if you have rheumatoid arthritis that causes chronic inflammation in your toe joints.

When should I seek treatment for a hammertoe?

In the initial stages of hammertoe, you may notice a slight bend in the toe. Over time, it can become more difficult to fully straighten the toe. The abnormal bending can also cause pain that interferes with walking.

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Toetal Podiatry if you have pain relating to hammertoe or difficulty staying physically active. You can also request an evaluation if the hammertoe causes painful calluses or blisters to form on your foot.

How is hammertoe treated?

Your treatment plan for hammertoe depends on the severity of your condition. The providers at Toetal Podiatry assess your foot health during a physical exam. They may also request X-rays to determine the best treatment option.

In early stages of hammertoe, while you can still bend and straighten your toe, your podiatrist may recommend exercises you can do to lengthen and strengthen your muscles and tendons.  Ice therapy and over-the-counter medications can also reduce swelling and pain.

If oral medications aren’t enough to relieve pain, you may benefit from injections of anesthetic medicines and anti-inflammatories to keep you comfortable. Your podiatrist may also recommend strapping or the use of custom orthotics to straighten the toe joint.

When you have a severe deformity in your toe, the Toetal Podiatry team may recommend surgery to lengthen the nearby muscles and straighten your toe joint. Your surgery may also place an implant to prevent hammertoe from recurring.

To find out more about available treatment options for hammertoe, call Toetal Podiatry or request an appointment through the online booking system today.