Hammertoe shows up when there is a muscle imbalance around the toe joint.
This causes the toe to get stiff and bent in a hammer-like position.
Hammertoe is a treatable condition, and in some cases, it can be prevented.
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This article will cover the types of hammertoe, signs and symptoms, causes, treatment, and more.
Flexible hammertoe is less severe than the rigid bang out.
A flexible hammertoe can become rigid over time.
It is therefore important that you seek care for a hammertoe to ensure it doesnt get worse.
Once the joint is severely affected, you cannot move the toe and it is permanently bent.
These are hard, thick areas of skin.
Corns are small, round, and found on the tops or sides of the toes.
Calluses are larger and more spread out.
When hammertoe gets this bad, it is called rigid hammertoe.
Claw Toe and Mallet Toe
Claw toeand mallet toe are two toe joint deformities similar to hammertoe.
In mallet toe, the toe bends downward at the DIP joint near the tip of the toe.
In contrast to claw toe, the DIP joint is extended in hammertoe (bent up).
Hammertoe Signs and Symptoms
Hammertoe usually does not cause people pain.
A hammertoe can cause discomfort with movement.
Pain often occurs with walking and stretching the affected toe.
Additional symptoms of hammertoe can be mild or severe.
Mild Symptoms
The main symptom of hammertoe is a toe that is bent at the middle joint.
Additional mild symptoms include:
Severe Symptoms
Left untreated, hammertoe can become severe.
Over time, it gets harder to straighten out the affected toe.
Severe symptoms of hammertoe are:
What Causes Hammertoe?
But this is not the only cause.
High heels also put pressure on the toes and cause them to bend at the joints.
Injuries
Traumatic toe injuries can lead to hammertoe.
This includes any injury in which you stub, jam, or break your toe.
It can make the joints of the toes stiff and sore.
Inflammatory arthritis conditions likerheumatoid arthritisandgouthave been linked to hammertoe.
This can result in the toe needing to be amputated (surgically removed).
Alcohol Use Disorder
Hammertoe is sometimes the result of nerve damage sparked by alcohol use disorder.
That pop in of damage can weaken the muscles of the foot and toes.
It can also cause foot deformities, such as hammertoe.
High Arches
Having ahigh arch, called cavus foot, can lead to hammertoe.
People with long toes are more likely to have toe deformities due to footwear compression.
It is a risk factor for hammertoe.
Pressure from bunions can lead to hammertoe.
Flat Feet
Flat feetis a condition in which one or both feet have little or no arch.
Additionally, the tendons can become inflamed from attempts to balance the foot.
How Is Hammertoe Diagnosed?
Your healthcare professional can make a diagnosis of hammertoe by examining your affected toe.
They may request imaging of your toes to look for joint damage.
Hammertoe Treatment
The severity of your symptoms determines treatment options for hammertoe.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Hammertoe is a condition that can get worse with time.
One of the easiest ways to correct a hammertoe is to wear properly fitting shoes.
These help by shifting the toe position, which can correct the toe curvature and relieve pain.
Hammertoe straightening devices are available over the counter.
These straighten the toe while you wear them.
But as soon as you take off the gear the toe will curl into a hammer shape again.
you could find OTC therapies to treat bunions, corns, and calluses.
These include creams, cushions, and toe pads.
These measures need to be repeated as corns and calluses will usually return.
However, the condition is likely to continue to worsen when you stop taping.
Frequent or continuous taping can also cause skin problems.
Prevention
Many factors increase your risk for hammertoe.
Some of these might be preventable, while others might be out of your control.
A podiatrist or orthotic specialist can prescribe and construct a custom orthotic for you.
Long-Term Outlook
The outlook for most people with hammertoe can be good.
It causes the toe to bend downward and resemble a hammer.
Hammertoe results from the imbalance of the structures that surround the toe joint.
Symptoms of the condition include pain, swelling, and problems with walking.
Hammertoe shouldnt be ignored and can get worse if you do not get treatment.
If hammertoe becomes severe, you may need surgery to repair the affected joint.
A Word From Verywell
Hammertoe generally isnt a serious condition.
After treatment, it can go away without any complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mild to moderate hammertoe can be treated at home.
Hammertoe is a treatable condition.
However, left untreated, the condition can become worse and require the need for surgery.
Surgery can permanently fix a toe affected by hammertoe.
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