When the toe joint that connects with the foot becomes fixed in an upward position, and the toe is permanently bent downward, this is known as hammertoe. A Hammertoe can be painful, inflamed, and irritated when a shoe rubs against it. Hammertoe may be caused by wearing improper shoes, trauma, or by having certain illnesses. A podiatrist may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce pain and inflammation, as well as try to correct the bent toe by splinting it, having the patient do certain exercises to restore balance in the muscles, create custom orthotics, or have the patient wear metatarsal pads. If these conservative methods do not yield the desired results, your podiatrist may suggest surgery to loosen the tissues that connect with muscles and bones, or possibly even remove the joint in an effort to straighten the toe, and insert wires to keep it straightened. If you believe you have a hammertoe, make an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Jed Wells, DPM from Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

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 contact our offices located in Corpus Christi, and Laredo, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.