A hammertoe develops when a toe bends into a fixed Z-shaped position due to tendon imbalance or long-term pressure from shoes that lack adequate support. Other causes of hammertoe include structural issues like long toe bones or poor joint alignment. The raised portion of the toe can rub inside the shoe and lead to corns, calluses, or skin irritation, and some people feel pain in the ball of the foot when pressure shifts to that area. Diagnosis is made through a foot exam by a podiatrist who also checks nearby joints for signs of arthritis. Treatment includes wearing shoes with a wide toe box, toe pads to reduce rubbing, splints to limit irritation, and orthotics to ease pressure under the forefoot. Surgery may be advised when the toe becomes rigid and painful. If you are experiencing pain caused by a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from PA Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
- Pain in the affected toes
- Development of corns or calluses due to friction
- Inflammation
- Redness
- Contracture of the toes
Causes
Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Allentown, Easton, Northampton, and Chew Street in Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
