Hammertoe

Hammertoe

A hammertoe is the abnormal bending of one of the joints of any toe except the big toe. The symptoms of hammertoe include pain in the afflicted toe when wearing shoes, possible corns developing on the toe or calluses under the toe or ball of foot.

The pain from hammertoes alone can be very acute by themselves but adding corns and calluses can increase the pain even further. Treating the corns and/or calluses is considered a crucial part of the entire hammertoe treatment. Preventive measures should be taken because even if hammertoe is mild the condition will worsen over time.

Hammertoes usually start out with some degree of flexibility but not seeking treatment can allow the toes to stiffen. Even if the condition is not bothersome when discovered, the absence of treatment will set the stage for corns to eventually develop. And, contrary to common belief, corns never really heal. They can be trimmed and scaled down but they will continue to grow. The point here is simply to note that hammertoes will never reverse themselves. Some method of treatment will eventually be required.

Hammertoes are usually caused by muscle/tendon imbalance. Improper muscle to tendon ration will bend the toe. So the hammertoe is a structural issue and not the result of disease. Because hammertoe is a actual structural problem it is important to understand that improper fitting shoes and hosiery can aggravate the pain and difficulty associated with the condition. Wearing shoes with a tight toe box is never advised. In fact a custom foot orthotic or arch support can offer pain relief and additional support.

Other tips include trimming nails and treating calluses and/or corns. There are a lot of over the counter treatments for corns, calluses, etc. but self diagnosis and treatment is not a good idea if you suspect you are suffering from any serious foot condition. Let a podiatrist due your trimming, cleaning and snipping no matter how minor you may believe it may be.  Even padding corns should be instructed by a health care professional. Your physician will also be able to map out the preventative treatment needed to live comfortably with the condition.

Hammertoe can become serious enough that surgery becomes the best treatment option.  There are several surgical options and methods your foot and ankle surgeon can discuss with you but as with any foot surgery, recovery can be slow and painful. Surgical treatment of hammertoe is common but other remedies will most likely be ruled out before surgery is explored. The most important thing to do if you believe you have a hammertoe is to seek the treatment or advice of a physician. Our feet are far too important to ignore when pain and/or discomfort becomes a part of daily life.