Hammertoes are among the most common problems affecting the feet. Toes curl downward at the middle joints instead of pointing forward due to muscle and ligament imbalances. The condition typically affects the middle three toes, though any toe can curl or buckle. Learn more about hammertoes and what can be done to treat them.

A Helpful Hammertoe Guide

What Causes Them?

Poorly-fitting shoes that do not allow the toes to point forward in normal, healthy positions are among the most common causes of hammertoes. Other causes include traumatic injuries, arthritis, bunion-related pressure, and abnormally-high foot arches. Flat feet and damage to the spinal cord can also cause the toes to point in the wrong direction.

Are They Painful?

The bent portion of the affected toe can rub against footwear, resulting in irritation and discomfort. Women are more susceptible to hammertoe-related pain because they often wear uncomfortable, binding shoes such as high heels and ballet-style flats. This condition also increases the risk of painful blisters, corns, bunions, and ulcerations, such as those on the top of the affected toe joint. The joint can also become red and swollen in addition to buckled, causing pain when you try to move it or put on shoes.

What Are the Risk Factors?

Heredity plays a role in hammertoe formation, as inherited arch instability increases the risk. Other risk factors include arthritis and continually wearing ill-fitting shoes. Older adults are at greater risk from years of incorrect shoe wear. Bunions, corns, and calluses increase the risk as well. 

How Are Hammertoes Treated?

Treatment depends on the type of hammertoe. Flexible hammertoes, or those that move at the joint, are less severe and usually treatable with corrective footwear that is wider at the toe box. Shoe insoles also help and treat related conditions such as corns and bunions. Gentle stretches can alleviate milder forms of the condition as well. Rigid hammertoes do not move at the joint because the tendons have stiffened and typically requires surgery to correct. Wearing wider footwear helps prevent the problem from returning.

If you need treatment for hammertoes, schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric. D. Trattner. The Cleveland, OH-based foot specialist offers a full suite of treatments for podiatric issues using state-of-the-art technology and minimally-invasive techniques. Call (440) 333-5350 — Cleveland location — or (330) 405-3301 — Twinsburg location — today to set up your free consultation, or visit the podiatrist online for a complete list of conditions he treats in a relaxed and comfortable setting.