Hammertoes

A hammer toe is a deformity in which your toe is curled downward instead of pointing forward. It can affect any of your toes but most commonly affects the second or third toe. Most of the time hammer toe may be present at birth, but it may also develop over time due to wearing poor-fitting shoes, such as those with pointed toes or tight heels.

Your toe is designed in such a way that it has two joints that allow it to bend at the bottom and middle. Dislocation of the middle joint leads to hammer toe.

Common causes of hammer toe include:

Arthritis
Wearing ill-fitting shoes
High foot arch
An injury to the toe
Tightened tendons and ligaments in your foot
Pressure from a bunion

Signs and symptoms of hammer toe

The most common symptom of hammer toe is discomfort while walking. It can also cause mild to moderate pain when you try to move or stretch the affected toe. Symptoms also include:

Pain during walking
Calluses or corns
Claw-like toes
Inability to stretch and flex your toes
Toes that bends downward

What to do if you notice these symptoms?

Visit your podiatrist as soon as possible if you develop any of these symptoms.

Who can diagnose and treat a hammer toe?

A qualified and certified podiatrist can effectively diagnose and treat a hammer toe.

Treatment of hammer toe

A qualified podiatrist can help you in overcoming this problem. Your doctor can advise you on OTC pads, cushions, or medicines to treat corns and bunions. However, if the pain still persists, your doctor may decide to surgically remove these bunions and corns. If you are unable to stretch and flex your toes, surgery is the treatment of choice to restore movement. Surgery can effectively remove deformed bone, reposition the toe, and realign your affected toes. Surgery is normally done by a podiatrist on outpatient basis and you can return home on the same day.

Don’t suffer with the pain of a hammertoe, reach out to our office today! Call us at (520) 545-0202 or fill out the online form below to request an appointment and get on a treatment plan that is right for you.