Hammertoe, a relatively common foot condition, is often the source of discomfort and inconvenience for many individuals. This deformity occurs when the middle joint of one or more of your smaller toes becomes bent and stuck in an abnormal position. The affected toes often resemble the shape of a hammer, hence the name. Hammertoes can develop for a variety of reasons, including genetics, foot structure, or wearing ill-fitting shoes. High heels and shoes that squeeze the toes together can exacerbate the problem. Hammertoes can lead to pain, corns, calluses, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear. While the condition can be hereditary, early intervention through wearing proper footwear and certain medical treatment can help prevent or alleviate the discomfort associated with hammertoes, allowing individuals to maintain healthier and happier feet. If you are afflicted with hammertoe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief options.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, Naples, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.