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Hammertoe - An Unnatural Bending of the Toe(s)
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Common symptoms of hammertoes include:
- Pain or irritation of the affected toe when wearing shoes.
- Corns (a buildup of skin) on the top, side, or end of the toe, or between two toes. Corns are caused by constant friction against the shoe. They may be soft or hard, depending upon their location.
- Calluses (another type of skin buildup) on the bottom of the toe or on the ball of the foot.
Hammertoes usually start out as mild deformities and get progressively worse over time. In the earlier stages, hammertoes are flexible and the symptoms can often be managed with non-invasive measures. Left untreated, hammertoes can become more rigid and eventually stop responding to non-surgical treatment.
Hammertoes should receive early attention as they never get better without medical intervention.
Causes
The most common cause of hammertoe is a muscle/tendon imbalance. This imbalance, which leads to a bending of the toe, is due to structural changes in the foot that occur over time in some people.
Hammertoes are often aggravated by shoes that don't fit properly, especially those that crowd the toes. In some cases, ill-fitting shoes can actually cause the bending that defines hammertoe.
Hammertoe is occasionally caused by trauma, such as a previously broken toe but may also be inherited.
Treatment
There are a variety of non-surgical treatment options for hammertoe based on the severity and other factors.
- Trimming Corns and Calluses. This should only be done by a qualified professional due to the risk of cuts and infection. Your foot and ankle specialist knows the proper method to trim corns the ensure the greatest benefit.
- Padding Corns and Calluses. Your foot and ankle specialist can provide or prescribe pads designed to shield corns from irritation. If using over-the-counter pads, avoid the medicated types as they may contain a small amount of acid that can be harmful.
- Changes in Shoewear. Avoid shoes with pointed toes, shoes that are too small, or shoes with high heels — each of which can force the toe against the front of your shoe. Instead, wear comfortable shoes with a deep, roomy toe box and heels no higher than two inches.
- Orthotic devices. A custom orthotic device placed in your shoe may help control the muscle/tendon imbalance.
- Injection Therapy. Corticosteroid injections are sometimes used to ease pain and inflammation caused by hammertoe.
- Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are often prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Splinting / Strapping. Splints or small straps may be applied by the foot and ankle specialist to realign the bent toe.
In some cases where the hammertoe has become more rigid, surgery may be needed to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by the deformity.
The most common surgical procedure performed to correct a hammertoe is called arthroplasty where a small section of the bone is removed from the affected joint.
Another surgical option is arthrodesis, which is usually reserved for severe cases where multiple joints or toes are involved. Arthrodesis involves the fusing of a small joint in the toe to straighten it. A pin or other small fixation device is typically used to hold the toe in position while the bones are healing.
Other procedures may be required, especially when the hammertoe condition is severe. Corrective actions such as skin wedging (the removal of wedges of skin), tendon/muscle rebalancing or lengthening, small tendon transfers, or relocation of surrounding joints may be appropriate.
Patients with hammertoe often have bunions or other foot deformities corrected at the same time. The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure or procedures performed.
We Can Help
The podiatrists at Northwest Surgical Specialists are leaders in both conservative and surgical treatment of all foot and ankle disorders. For additional information, please contact one of our three convenient locations to arrange a consultation.
3100 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 150
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
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Surgical Care Center
431 Summit Street, Suite 102
Elgin, IL 60120
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Foot & Ankle Care
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431 Lakeview Court, Suite D
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
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Foot & Ankle Care