Hammertoe Deformity

Hammertoe commonly develops because of structural changes that take place over time in the muscles and tendons that bend the toes.  People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, are at risk for developing hammertoe.  It can be an inherited condition for some people.  Other causes include trauma and wearing shoes that are too tight, narrow, or have high heels.  The toe next to the big toe (second toe) is most frequently affected by hammertoe.The symptoms of hammertoe are progressive, meaning that they get worse over time.  Hammertoe causes the middle joint on the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes to bend.  The affected toe may be painful or irritated, especially when you wear shoes.  Areas of thickened skin (corns) may develop between, on top of, or at the end of your toes.  Thickened skin (calluses) may also appear on the bottom of your toe or the ball of your foot.  It may be difficult to find a pair of shoes that is comfortable to wear.

There are many non-surgical treatments to help relieve symptoms of hammertoe. The first step for many people is wearing the right size and type of shoe.  Low-heeled shoes with a boxy or roomy toe area are helpful.  Cushioned insoles, customized orthopedic inserts, and pads can provided relief as well.  Splints or straps may be used to help correct toe position.  Your doctor may show you toe stretches and exercises to perform.  Your doctor can safely remove corns and calluses.  You should not try to remove them at home.Surgery is used when other types of treatment fail to relieve symptoms or for advanced cases of hammertoe.  There are several types of surgeries to treat hammertoe.  A small piece of bone may be removed from the joint (arthroplasty).  The toe joint may be fused to straighten it (arthrodesis). Surgical hardware, such as a pin, may be used to hold the bones in place while they heal.  Other types of surgery involve removing skin (wedging) or correcting muscles and tendons to balance the joint.
It is important to visit a foot specialist if you develop hammertoe.  Early treatment can help prevent future deformities.  Hammertoe that is not treated can become worse over time, requiring surgery.