Hammertoe can make wearing shoes uncomfortable and turn everyday walking into a painful experience. This foot condition develops when a toe bends downward at its middle joint instead of remaining straight. It most frequently affects the second toe, although other smaller toes can also be involved. The bent position can cause the top of the toe to rub against shoes, creating pressure and irritation. Symptoms include pain, redness, and difficulty moving the affected toe. Corns or calluses can also form where the skin experiences repeated friction. In the early stages, the toe may still straighten when gently moved. As the condition progresses, the joint can become stiff and remain bent, making comfortable movement more difficult.
Wearing tight or narrow shoes can contribute to hammertoe by forcing the toes into a bent position. High heels can also increase pressure on the front of the foot. As the muscles and tendons adjust to this position, straightening the toe can become more difficult. Some people are born with a foot structure that makes hammertoe more likely. In rare cases, nerve problems can affect the muscles that control toe movement. Hammertoe can also develop in children whose shoes have become too small. Without proper attention, the bent toe can create painful pressure points. These areas may develop thickened skin or sores that make walking uncomfortable. Identifying the cause helps determine which treatments are appropriate.
A podiatrist can examine the affected toe, assess its flexibility, and identify areas of pressure. Treatment can include protective padding, toe splints, and properly fitted shoes with enough room for the toes. A podiatrist may also recommend supportive shoe inserts to improve comfort and reduce pressure on sensitive areas. When the toe remains flexible, professionally guided exercises can help maintain movement and support the surrounding muscles. A podiatrist can carefully reduce painful corns or calluses caused by repeated rubbing. Treatment depends on how much the toe has changed and whether the joint can still move. Addressing symptoms early can help improve comfort and reduce further irritation. If you have hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
- Pain in the affected toes
- Development of corns or calluses due to friction
- Inflammation
- Redness
- Contracture of the toes
Causes
Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hastings, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
