A hammertoe is a deformity when your toe bends downwards rather than pointing straight out. Even though it most commonly occurs on the second or third toe, any toe can be affected by a hammertoe. Common causes of hammertoe include arthritis, wearing improperly fitting shoes, pressure from a bunion, tightened ligaments or tendons in the foot, and/or a high foot arch among other causes.
Hammertoes can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. Symptoms of hammertoe can include difficulty walking, inability to flex your foot, inability to wiggle your toes, and more. If you think you might have a hammertoe, it is important to call your podiatrist to have it looked at. Your podiatrist will diagnose a hammertoe through physical exam and by possibly doing imaging tests.
Hammertoes can be treated in a variety of ways, depending upon the severity of the hammertoe. Your podiatrist will be able to recommend the best course of treatment. Treatments vary from changing the type of shoe, to wearing pads or insoles, to possibly stretching the toe. In severe cases, your podiatrist may recommend hammertoe surgery to be able to restore movement in your toe.
The best way to avoid hammertoes is to wear the correct fitting shoes. Allowing room for your toes to wiggle is important to prevent feet injuries. Also, wearing high heels that are at most 2 inches lightens the pressure on your toes that higher heels would cause.
As with all foot related problems, it is important to get in to see your podiatrist as soon as possible to avoid further complications. The quicker you are able to see your doctor, the quicker you will be able to go on treatment and the quicker you will have relief.
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