Footnotes / Blog

What is a Hammertoe?

A hammertoe is a toe that is abnormally bent at the middle joint, making it look like a hammer. Moving the affected toe may be difficult or painful, and corns and calluses can form from the toe rubbing against the inside of shoes. Hammertoes can range from mild to severe and, if left untreated, can worsen over time.

Risk Factors and Causes of Hammertoes

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing a hammertoe:

• Gender: Females are more likely to develop hammertoes than males.
• Age: Hammertoes are more common as people age.
• Toe Length: People with smaller toes that are longer than the big toe are more prone to hammertoes.
• Medical Conditions: Certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, can cause hammertoes. Diabetes can also alter the muscle pull in the feet, leading to the development of hammertoes.
• Genetics: Hammertoes often run in families, as foot structure can be inherited, similar to other body traits.

Prevention of Hammertoes

While hammertoes are often inherited or caused by trauma, improper footwear is a key factor in their development. Tight or poorly fitting shoes that press on the toes can exacerbate the condition.

Since hammertoes are progressive (they worsen over time if left untreated), it’s important to take preventive measures, especially if you notice early symptoms like toe bending or pain.

Treatment for Hammertoes

Conservative Treatments

• Padding for Corns and Calluses: Special pads can shield corns from further irritation. It’s recommended to consult with a podiatrist for the proper pads, as medicated versions (containing acid) can be harmful.
• Changes in Footwear: Avoid shoes with pointed toes, high heels, or shoes that are too short. Choose shoes with a deep, roomy toe box and a heel no higher than two inches.
• Custom Foot Orthotics: Custom orthotics can help correct muscle and tendon imbalances, alleviating pressure on the affected toe.
• Injection Therapy: In some cases, corticosteroid injections can help reduce pain and inflammation caused by hammertoes.

Surgical Treatments

If hammertoes cause chronic pain or lead to open sores that won’t heal, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical options include:

• Soft Tissue Procedures: These surgeries address muscle and tendon issues causing the toe to bend.
• Bony Fusions: In more severe cases, a surgical procedure to fuse the toe bones may be performed.

Your podiatrist will evaluate the severity of your hammertoe and recommend the most appropriate surgical approach if necessary.

When to See a Podiatrist

If you are experiencing pain or difficulty moving your toe due to hammertoes, or if corns and calluses are affecting your comfort, it’s important to consult a podiatrist. Early intervention can help prevent further progression and improve your quality of life.

Visit Innovative Foot & Ankle for Expert Care

At Innovative Foot & Ankle, our skilled podiatrists offer both conservative and surgical treatments for hammertoes. If you’re dealing with foot pain, schedule an appointment at one of our locations in Montclair, Kenilworth, Bayonne, or Little Ferry, New Jersey.

For more information, visit Innovative Foot & Ankle or contact us to set up an appointment today.