Hammer Toe

Hammertoe is a deformity in one of the toes in which the toe is bent at the middle joint. Conditions such as hammertoe can be a source of discomfort, pain, and mobility problems. Typically, hammertoes can be treated with conservative treatment options, but if left untreated for an extended period of time, surgery may be the only option.

If you are experiencing pain in your toes, specifically in your second, third, or fourth toe, allow this information to guide you in making the decisions necessary for recovery.

Causes

Hammertoe develops due to muscle imbalances in the toe which put pressure on toe joints and tendons. If a toe is bent or out of place for long enough, the toe joints and the muscle group will tighten. This displacement can cause extreme pain and discomfort.

If you are experiencing foot pain and are interested in seeking a diagnosis or treatment, our skilled professionals at BEST Health System are passionate about helping you find the most effective approach to finding recovery.

Some of the factors that may increase an individual’s chance of developing a hammertoe or a similar condition include:

Genes: Some individuals are born with certain features that make them more likely to develop this condition.
Injury or trauma: An injury to the toe can result in hammertoe if the collision displaces the joint.
Narrow shoes: Ill-fitting shoes with minimal support can cause an individual to develop a foot condition such as hammertoe.

Treatment

If hammertoe is noticed in the early stages, it is likely that conservative treatment options can repair the damaged joint. It is important that the patient carefully follows their treatment plan at all times if they want to see sufficient results. Some conservative treatment options that may be recommended by a doctor include:

Avoiding narrow shoes
Shoe inserts
Anti-inflammatory medications
Anti-inflammatory injections
Exercise
Physical therapy

If conservative treatment options have been exhausted, and the patient feels no relief, they may be a candidate for surgery. One of the most common surgical procedures to treat hammertoe is known as arthroplasty. This procedure involves the surgeon accessing the affected toe to remove bone and/or connective tissue to straighten the joint. This surgery may be performed in different variations depending on the location and severity of the joint damage.

Symptoms

The symptoms of hammertoe are hard to control, as they seem to flare up when the individual is wearing shoes. Common symptoms relating to hammertoe include: