What is a Hammer Toe?
Hammer toe deformities are common and wide ranging. They can affect people of all ages. They can be due to an inherited abnormal bone structure in the toes, or due to poor foot function, eg. flat feet, which puts excessive demands on the joints in the toes. Correction of any of these faulty mechanics can improve toe deformities, particularly if treated early. Toes can appear clawed, rotated or abnormally flexed in one of the toe joints.
If left untreated, problems with toe deformities include painful corns, pain in the toe joints, problems with shoe fitting and the hammer toe is vulnerable to ulceration in patients with diabetes or circulation problems.
There are two main types of hammer toe.
Flexible Hammer Toe
In the early stages, the affected toes are still movable at the joint and can be straightened manually.
Rigid Hammer Toe
As the condition progresses, the tendons tighten, and the joints become misaligned and immobile. At this point, surgical intervention may be required to correct the deformity.
Hammer toe Symptoms
Common symptoms of hammer toe include a toe that bends downward at the middle joint, creating a characteristic claw-like appearance. Corns or calluses often develop on the top of the middle joint of the toe or on the tip of the toe due to friction and pressure. Pain is typically experienced when wearing shoes that rub against the bent toe, accompanied by inflammation and redness in the affected area. Reduced mobility in the toe joint may also occur as the condition progresses.
WHAT CAUSES HAMMER TOE
Hammer toe can develop due to several factors. Poorly fitting shoes that crowd the toes are a common cause, along with muscle imbalance in the foot that affects the toe’s alignment. Age-related weakening of toe muscles can contribute to the condition, as can arthritis or other joint conditions that affect the toe’s structure and function. Trauma to the toe may also result in the development of hammer toe over time.
Hammer Toe Diagnosis
Diagnosis is generally straightforward and is based on a physical examination of the foot and toe. X-rays may be used to assess the severity of the joint deformity.
Galleria Podiatry Treatments & Services for Hammer Toe
At Galleria Podiatry, we provide hammer toe treatment to all patients near Bayswater. Treatment often starts with conservative methods:
- Switching to shoes with a wider toe box
- Using pads or cushions to relieve pressure on the toe
- Toe exercises to stretch and strengthen muscles
- Orthotic insoles to help correct muscle imbalance
- Protective shields or pads can be manufactured quickly and easily by Galleria Podiatry to protect the underlying joints.
At Galleria Podiatry, we can successfully correct some toe deformities. In appropriate cases, however, surgery may be required. Surgery may involve:
- Removing part of the toe bone to allow it to straighten
- Cutting or transferring tendons or ligaments
- Fusing the joint to keep the toe straight
It’s important to consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your condition. Book an appointment with Galleria Podiatry!
Ready to fix your Hammer Toe?
It’s important to consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your condition. Book an appointment with Galleria Podiatry!
Your Hammer Toe Questions Answered
What is hammer toe and who can it affect?
Hammer toe deformities are common and wide ranging conditions that can affect people of all ages. They can be due to an inherited abnormal bone structure in the toes, or due to poor foot function, such as flat feet, which puts excessive demands on the joints in the toes. Toes can appear clawed, rotated or abnormally flexed in one of the toe joints, creating a characteristic claw-like appearance.
What are the two main types of hammer toe?
There are two main types of hammer toe. Flexible hammer toe occurs in the early stages when the affected toes are still movable at the joint and can be straightened manually. Rigid hammer toe develops as the condition progresses, when the tendons tighten and the joints become misaligned and immobile. At this point, surgical intervention may be required to correct the deformity.
What problems can occur if hammer toe is left untreated?
If left untreated, problems with toe deformities include painful corns, pain in the toe joints, and problems with shoe fitting. The hammer toe is also vulnerable to ulceration in patients with diabetes or circulation problems. Correction of any faulty mechanics can improve toe deformities, particularly if treated early, which is why seeking professional care is important.
What conservative treatment options are available for hammer toe?
Treatment often starts with conservative methods including switching to shoes with a wider toe box, using pads or cushions to relieve pressure on the toe, toe exercises to stretch and strengthen muscles, and orthotic insoles to help correct muscle imbalance. Protective shields or pads can be manufactured quickly and easily by Galleria Podiatry to protect the underlying joints.
When is surgery necessary for hammer toe and what does it involve?
At Galleria Podiatry, some toe deformities can be successfully corrected conservatively. However, in appropriate cases, surgery may be required, particularly for rigid hammer toe. Surgery may involve removing part of the toe bone to allow it to straighten, cutting or transferring tendons or ligaments, or fusing the joint to keep the toe straight. It’s important to consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your condition.
