Hammertoe is a condition that occurs as a result of the middle toe joint becoming dislocated. While it can affect any toe on the foot, it usually occurs in the second or third toe. If you suspect that you have hammertoe, you should treat it as soon as possible since it can lead to other conditions including calluses, sores, and blisters. In terms of its causes, hammertoe can result from arthritis, high arches, or pressure from tight shoes. A simple fix for people who have hammertoe due to the shoes they wear is to wear shoes that fit properly. If you have high arches in your feet that caused your hammertoe, you should look toward getting insoles for treatment. In some cases, there isn’t a simple option for treatment and surgery may be necessary.
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Jon M. Sherman of Kentlands Foot & Ankle Center . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
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 Gaithersburg, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.