What is a hammertoe?

Hammer toe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful 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 of your toes, further deformity 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: 

Custom foot orthotics-custom made inserts can be used to help relieve the pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it.

Medication – oral medication such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and the inflammation hammertoe causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used.

Surgical Repair – in more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option.

 

If you have any questions please contact one of our Advanced Podiatry offices in Manhasset, Huntington, Maspeth, Plainview, or Coram and one of our expert, award-winning, podiatrists will be happy to properly diagnose and treat this condition. We, at Advanced Podiatry offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all of your foot and ankle needs.