What are Hammertoes and What Can I Do About Them?

Hammertoe is a common condition that changes the alignment of your toe joints. It can cause significant toe abnormalities, which can be painful and unsightly. Fortunately, Aaron Chokan, DPM, Kristina Minniti, DPM, and the team at Ohio Foot and Ankle Center are here to help. The practice serves the communities of Canton, Stow, and Rittman, Ohio.

How to know if you have hammertoe

Unlike many podiatric conditions, hammertoe creates obvious symptoms that make it easy to diagnose. This condition develops when the middle joint of a toe shifts out of its normal position. The toe becomes curved or “hunched” up and above the surrounding toes. 

If one of your toes seems to rise above the rest or takes on a bent appearance, you may have hammertoe. Sometimes, it’s possible to bend the toe back into a straighter position, but there are cases in which a hammertoe is so rigid it cannot be manipulated back into place. 

You might also experience pain, redness, or swelling, either in the toe itself or in the ball of your foot. This makes sense, as the curled toe creates different friction within your shoes. You could also notice corns or calluses developing on the top of your toe, also caused by increased friction. 

Can I prevent hammertoe?

Hammertoe develops over time, usually because something places pressure on the toes and alters the normal joint alignment. The most common cause of hammertoe is shoes that fit poorly. Shoes with a cramped toe box or insufficient arch support put undue pressure on the toe joints. 

A similar condition called mallet toe develops in the toe joint closest to your toenail. 

While the occasional ill-fitting footwear choice probably won’t cause hammertoe or other problems, joint issues are far more likely if you frequently wear shoes that push your toes against each other. 

Some additional causes or contributing factors for hammertoe include:

• Having unusually long toes
• Bunions
• Having flat feet or very high arches
• Certain medical conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis

While the risk of hammer toe cannot be entirely avoided, you can dramatically reduce it by choosing shoes that give your feet the support and room needed to thrive. Fortunately, many companies create attractive, affordable footwear that won’t cause joint issues. 

Will a hammertoe go away on its own?

Once a toe joint becomes malformed, it usually won’t return to normal without some form of treatment. Left untreated, the joint deformity could cause serious problems with your gait (the way you walk). Some people even develop balance problems based on hammertoe. 

It’s essential to see a podiatrist as soon as you notice changes in any of the joints within your feet or ankles. There are a range of treatments that can help restore normal joint alignment. In some cases, simply changing your footwear can remove the pressure causing a curled toe, and the toe will align with the rest of your toes within a short period of time. 

Specific pads and taping techniques can also realign your toes. Your podiatrist may recommend wearing orthotic devices inside your shoes to change the distribution of weight in your toe joints. 

Specific exercises and stretches are another noninvasive way to improve hammertoe. Over-the-counter pain medication can manage discomfort while you complete your therapy. 

In some instances, surgical intervention is the only way to resolve hammertoe. If surgery is the best choice for you, your practitioner will explain the procedure, how to prepare, and what to expect in terms of recovery. 

If you’re concerned about changes in your toes, book a visit at Ohio Foot and Ankle Center for a complete diagnostic exam and a discussion of solutions. You can set up your visit using the simple online booking page or reach out by phone during regular business hours to find a time that fits your busy schedule.