Hammertoe Treatments for Lasting Relief

What You Need to Know

Understanding hammertoe, its symptoms, and how our podiatrists approach care.

Understanding Hammertoe and Your Options

Hammertoe is a condition that describes when a toe remains bent in a curved or hammerhead-like position. It occurs as a result of an imbalance between the soft tissues that hold your toe straight. Your second, third, and fourth toes are the most likely to experience the condition, and the most recognizable symptom is an abnormal bend in the middle joint of the toe, making it turn downward in a way that resembles the shape of a hammer.

Symptoms of hammertoe include swelling, redness, inability to straighten the affected toe, and corns, calluses, or blisters. As the toe takes on this shape, it may become harder or more painful to move it like you once did. You may also notice the formation of calluses or corns that result from the misshapen toe rubbing against the inside of the shoe. As the condition gets worse, you might also experience difficulty walking or standing.

While certain diseases can increase the risk of hammertoe, the most common causes have been linked to trauma, an abnormality or imbalance in the toe muscles, and certain types of shoes. By far, footwear contributes the most to this condition. High-heeled shoes and shoes that are too tight upfront crowd your toes and force them to curl up in positions that your muscles and ligaments were not built to cope with.

If you have an abnormal bend in one of your middle toes, do not wait to seek treatment. Without intervention, the joint might lock in that position. If you develop hammertoe and it is painful or stiff, contact Advanced Foot and Ankle Center right away for an evaluation.

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

To diagnose hammertoe, your Advanced Foot and Ankle Center provider reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms, including when they first started and if certain types of footwear make them worse. Next, your provider examines your toes and takes X-rays to assess the alignment of the bones and joints at the front of your feet. If you have diabetes, they might also test for neuropathy, since nerve damage can affect the balance of the ligaments and tendons that hold your toe straight.

Treatment depends on various factors, including your age, health history, and the severity of your symptoms. Advanced Foot and Ankle Center recommends conservative treatments whenever possible, like wearing roomy, comfortable shoes or using heel pads or insoles. Your provider might also recommend stretches or strengthening exercises to encourage proper alignment of the muscles and ligaments in your toe.

If you are unable to move the affected toe, surgery might be necessary, but only as a last resort. During surgery, your provider uses special tools to release the tendon holding your toe in a bent position. They might also remove a piece of bone to restore alignment.

Simple exercises and making the switch to better shoes can go a long way toward preventing hammertoe. If you have children, keep an eye on their growth spurts so they do not spend much time with their growing feet crammed into ill-fitting shoes. With early attention and the right care plan, most patients find lasting relief and return to comfortable daily activity.