Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a common foot condition that can cause discomfort and impact mobility. It occurs when one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, leading to a curled or claw-like appearance. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for hammertoe can help you manage the condition and improve your foot health.

Living With Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a deformity primarily affecting the second, third, or fourth toes. The condition occurs when there’s an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments responsible for straightening the toe. Over time, this imbalance causes the toe to bend at the middle joint, leading to a curled or raised position.

Hammertoe can be exacerbated by factors such as:

• Wearing tight footwear
• Muscle imbalances
• Genetics
• Trauma to the toe
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Structural abnormalities

Hammertoes can be classified as flexible or rigid. With a flexible hammertoe, the toe can be straightened manually, and it is often less severe and easier to treat. With a rigid hammertoe, the toe is stiff and cannot be straightened, often requiring surgery to correct.

With flexible hammertoe, your podiatrist will typically start with conservative and non-surgical treatments. To reduce pressure, it’s important that you wear shoes with room in the toes. You may also want to use custom orthotics and pad or tape the affected toe. Stretching and strengthening exercises can improve flexibility, such as picking up small objects with your toes.

Your podiatrist may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers and applying ice packs to alleviate inflammation and discomfort. When conservative methods fail, surgery may be needed to correct the deformity and straighten your toe.

Contact Our Podiatrist Today

Find out how to live with hammertoe. Contact your podiatrists, Dr. Craig Cortese, Dr. Steve Yeschek, or Dr. Kimberly Eickmeier, at Cortese Foot and Ankle Clinic in Normal, IL, and serving Bloomington and Pontiac, IL, at (309) 452-3000 to learn more about Hammertoe and how you can relieve your pain today.