HAMMERTOES

HAMMERTOES

Hammertoes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from hammertoes, contact Ryan Foot and Ankle Clinic. With five locations in Charlotte, Concord, and Harrisburg, our team is ready to help you find relief and improve your foot health. Call us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about your treatment options.

What Are Hammertoes?

Hammertoes are a common foot deformity where one or more toes become bent at the middle joint, causing them to curl downward. This condition often affects the second, third, and fourth toes. If the bend occurs at the joint closest to the nail, it is known as a mallet toe. Hammertoes can be painful and may lead to the development of corns and calluses, making walking and physical activities uncomfortable.

Contributing Factors:

Foot Structure and Ill-Fitting Shoes

Shoes that are too tight, narrow, or high-heeled can contribute to the development of hammertoes.

Bunions

The presence of bunions can lead to or exacerbate hammertoe deformities.

Trauma

Injuries to the toes or feet can cause hammertoes.

Diabetes and Arthritis

These conditions can affect the tendons and ligaments in the toes, contributing to hammertoe formation.

Heredity

Genetics can play a role, with a higher incidence among women and an increased risk with age.

Symptoms

Early Stage

Flexible hammertoes that can still be moved.

Progressed Stage

Rigid toes that cannot be straightened. Corns may develop on the top and sides of the toe, calluses on the ball of the foot, and the toe may become increasingly painful and irritated by footwear.

How Are Hammertoes Treated?

Your podiatrist at Ryan Foot and Ankle Clinic will conduct a thorough examination to diagnose hammertoe. Non-surgical treatments are often effective, especially in the early stages:

Corn and Callus Trimming

Professional trimming helps prevent cuts and infections.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

These can reduce pain and swelling.

Custom Orthotics

Inserts may help correct the imbalance in the tendons or ligaments.

Corticosteroid Injections

These can alleviate inflammation and pain.

Toe Realignment

Genetics can play a role, with a higher incidence among women and an increased risk with age.

Special Pads or Cushions

Designed to reduce friction and irritation from shoes.

Footwear Modification

Avoiding high heels, pointy-toed, or tight-fitting shoes can prevent worsening of the condition.

What to Expect If Surgery Is Recommended

For severe cases where the toe has become rigid, surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity and relieve pain. Your podiatric surgeon will tailor the surgical approach to your needs, considering factors such as the severity of the hammertoe, your age, activity level, and desired footwear.

Arthroplasty

This common procedure involves removing a small section of bone from the affected joint to allow for realignment.

Joint Fusion

In severe cases, a small joint of the toe may be fused to straighten it, using a pin or device to hold the toe in place during healing.

Additional Procedures

Joint relocation, tendon transfers, and the removal of skin wedges may be used, especially if other foot deformities like bunions are also present.