Hammertoes are a common foot condition where one or more of the toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, causing them to resemble a hammer. There are two types of hammertoes, flexible and rigid. In flexible hammertoe, the joint is still movable but bends downward, causing pain when walking or wearing shoes. Over time, if left untreated, a flexible hammertoe can become rigid, where the joint becomes fixed in a bent position, making the condition more painful and difficult to treat. The primary causes of hammertoes include wearing ill-fitting shoes, genetics, and muscle imbalances that affect the alignment of the toes. High heels and wearing tight footwear can worsen the condition by crowding the toes and forcing them into unnatural positions. Visiting a podiatrist is key to a proper diagnosis and treatment. This type of doctor can recommend orthotics, exercises, or in severe cases, surgery to correct the deformity and relieve pain. If you have a  hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Robert Fink of Brunswick Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.