What Is A Hammertoe?

A hammertoe is a bending of one or both joints in your second, third, fourth or fifth toes.  The base of the toe points upward while the end of the toe points down.  This abnormal bending can put pressure on the toe when wearing shoes, causing problems to develope.

A hammertoe usuallys starts out as a mild deformity and gradually gets worse over time.  You first notice when a corn develops on the top of the toe and becomes painful, usually while wearing tight shoes.  In the early stages, hammertoes are flexible and the symptoms can be managed by noninvasive measures.  If you leave the hammertoe untreated, it can become more rigid and will not respond to non-surgical treatment.  So because of the progressive nature of hammertoes, you should give them early attention.  They never get better without some kind of intervention.

 

One of the most commonly known causes of hammertoes is muscle or tendon imbalance.  Another factor in developing hammertoes is heredity.  Some people are just structurally prone to develop them.  Also tight footwear plays an important factor in the cause as well.  Wearing tight fitting footwear can irritate the affected toe. 

Most symptoms of hammertoes are due to pressure from the footwear on the toe.  Common symptoms include pain or irritation of the afftected toe when wearing shoes.  A corn can develope on the top of the affected toe.  There may be a bursa under the corn or instead of a corn, depending on the pressure.  There may also be inflammation, redness or a burning sensation.  You may also be able to tell  if there becomes a distortion of the toe.  In more severe cases, open sores may form.

Some non-surgical treatments include:

Padding the corns and calluses.  Your podiotrist can provide or prescribe pads designed to help alieviate the corn from irritation.  You may also try the over-the-counter pads, but avoid any with medications.  Medicated pads are not recommended because they may contain small amounts of acid that can be harmful.  Consult your podiatrist about this option.

Change your shoewear.  Avoid shoes with pointed toes, shoes that are too short, or shoes with high heels.  These types of shoes promote conditions that can force your toe against the front of the shoe.  A more comfortable shoe with a deep, roomy toe box and heels no higher than two inches is recommended.

Orthotic devices.  A custom-molded orthotic device placed in your shoe may help control the muscle/tendon imbalance.

Injection therapy.  Corticosteroid injections are sometimes used to help with the pain and inflammation caused by a hammertoe.

Medications.  Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation.

Splinting/strapping.  Splints or small straps may be applied to help realign the bent toe.  You may purchase the Dr. Jill's Hammertoe Splint(as shown here) from our online store.

In some cases, when the hammertoe has become more rigid and painful, or when an open sore has developed, surgery is needed.  Surgery to correct a hammertoe may be performed in a day procedure.  There are several different types of procedures that may be used depending on the foot structure and if the deformity is flexible or rigid. 

If you are expirencing any persistant foot pain that is affecting your ability to walk properly, you should schedule an appointment with your podiatrist.  To schedule an appointmet with Dr. Vail, you may call 419-423-1888 or visit our website at http://www.vailfoot.com/.