Hammertoes are a common foot deformity in which the toes bend downward at the middle joint, causing the toes to develop a claw or hammer-like appearance. When this occurs, the toes may feel stiff and painful, and finding comfortable shoes that don’t rub up against the bent toes and cause corns and calluses can be difficult. In their early stages, hammertoes are usually still flexible and can be managed with conservative treatments such as wearing orthotics. As hammertoes progress, they can become rigid, and you may no longer be able to straighten your toes. In these cases, surgery is sometimes suggested to straighten the toes and alleviate pain. If you have hammertoes, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Mark Gagnon from Advanced Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Crestwood, Orland Park, and Summit, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.