There are many different causes of hammertoe, all of which result in inflammation of the bent toe joint and pain, especially when wearing shoes. Hammertoes can either be inherited, result from an injury, arthritis, muscle imbalance, or ill-fitting shoes. If not treated right away, hammertoes can develop into a permanent condition that can keep degenerating over time. Surgery becomes the only option in severe cases like these. Treatments for hammertoe involve foot padding, prescription orthotics, or surgery.
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, consult with our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
- Pain in the affected toes
- Development of corns or calluses due to friction
- Inflammation
- Redness
- Contracture of the toes
Causes
- Genetics – people who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
- Arthritis – because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
- Trauma – direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
- Ill-fitting shoes – undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
- Orthotics – custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
- Medications – oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
- Surgery – in more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Myers, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
