Hammertoes

What are hammertoes?

Hammertoes are joint deformities that frequently form on your second, third, or fourth toes. The condition usually stems from an issue in your foot mechanics.

For instance, if you have a small toe that’s longer than your big toe — this is common with second toes — it might get scrunched up every time you wear shoes.

Eventually, especially if you regularly wear high heels or pointy shoes, your toe gets stuck in that bent position as muscles and connective tissues get used to this new form. Your risk of suffering from hammertoes is even higher if you have:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Foot trauma

Sometimes bunions cause hammertoes, too. If you have a bunion, your smaller toes become crowded by your big toe, and they may have to bend to an abnormal position to make room for your big toe.

Do I need treatment for hammertoes?

Yes. Initially, hammertoes are flexible and can even flatten out simply by switching to shoes with more toe room. But since hammertoes are progressive and worsen over time, it’s important to have an exam at Apple Podiatry Group if you struggle with:

• Numbness
• Toe stiffness
• Burning sensations
• Corns or calluses

The podiatrists at Apple Podiatry Group also encourage you to schedule an evaluation if your symptoms are so severe that you change the way you walk to avoid putting pressure on your hammertoes. This can lead to secondary problems, including ankle instability and knee pain.

How are hammertoes treated?

Your hammertoe treatment plan from Apple Podiatry Group is entirely personalized to your condition and the severity of your symptoms.

To help diagnose your hammertoes and rule out related conditions, such as fractures, your dedicated podiatrist may look at X-rays or ultrasound images.

Oftentimes, they can get you started on conservative hammertoe treatments right away, including:

• Custom orthotics
• Shoe modifications
• Specialized stretches
• Corn or callus removal
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

If you have severe toe deformities, like if your hammertoes are rigid, the podiatrists at Apple Podiatry Group may recommend surgery.

Hammertoe surgery is necessary to realign your toe joints, fuse bones together, remove damaged bones or tissues, or make any other essential repairs. This is typically an outpatient procedure, so you can get all of your hammertoes repaired and return home the same day.

Get the hammertoe relief you need with the help of Apple Podiatry Group. Before your hammertoe worsens, book an exam online or call your closest office to schedule.