If you have ever experienced pain or discomfort or unusual changes in the shape of your toes, you may be dealing with a foot condition known as hammertoe. This deformity occurs when one or more toe joints become bent, resembling the shape of a hammer. Hammertoe can cause other foot conditions, such as calluses or corns where your toe rubs against the inside of the shoe. Symptoms may include pain while wearing shoes, swelling, redness, or difficulty straightening your toe. The good news is that there are effective treatments to alleviate the discomfort caused by hammertoe. Start by choosing footwear with a soft, deep, and roomy toe box to reduce pressure on your toes. Shoe Inserts, cushioning pads, or taping can move the toe and ease the pain. Incorporating simple exercises into your daily routine can also help. Try toe crunches by scrunching a towel with your toes while keeping your heel planted. Or, gently stretch your toes by pulling them toward you using your hands or a towel. In severe cases, a surgical solution may be necessary to release the tendon that is keeping the toe curled up. If you are afflicted with hammertoe, it is suggested that you seek the help of a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Steven Spivak, DPM from Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot 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 in your toes, further deformities 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

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lumberton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.