Hammer Toes

What is a hammertoe?

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity in the second, third, or fourth toes. With hammertoe, the middle joint bends, forcing the end of the toe down while the middle of the toe sits far higher than your other toes. 

With a flexible hammertoe, you can press the middle of your toe to make it straighten, but it may pop back up quickly. With a rigid hammertoe, you can't move the affected joint at all, so it's permanently frozen in a hammer shape. 

What are the symptoms of hammertoe?

The defining characteristic of hammertoe is a joint contraction in the middle of your toe. This abnormal bending may cause problems in both the joint itself and the ball of the foot underneath it, such as:

• Difficulty wearing closed-toe shoes
• Soreness atop the affected joint
• Corns or calluses on the affected joint
• Discomfort in the ball of your foot 
• Calluses on the ball of the foot

Hammertoe may not cause many symptoms in its early stage, but if left untreated, it usually progresses to a rigid hammertoe and causes a great deal of discomfort.

What causes hammertoe?

Hammertoe occurs with soft tissue imbalances. Your muscles, ligaments, and tendons usually work together to maintain proper toe position. But, with an imbalance in these soft tissues, your bones and joints can grow misaligned, as with hammertoe.  

Some factors like footwear (especially high heels), foot trauma, and arthritis may contribute to hammertoe development. 

How is hammertoe diagnosed?

At Volusia County Podiatry, Dr. Duffus can usually diagnose hammertoe with a visual examination. To determine whether you have a flexible or rigid hammertoe, she manipulates the joint gently and may ask you to move your toe in specific ways.

Dr. Duffus may take an X-ray to evaluate the severity of your hammertoe, particularly if it co-occurs with a bunion. An X-ray reveals changes within the bony framework of your feet so Dr. Duffus can better identify the exact source and seriousness of your hammertoe.

What is the most effective hammertoe treatment?

Dr. Duffus usually prescribes nonsurgical treatments for flexible hammertoe, such as toe exercises, splinting the toe, pads over the joint, change of shoes, custom orthotics, and oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. 

If you have a rigid hammertoe, conservative measures can help with discomfort but won't restore your joint. However, Dr. Duffus can perform reconstructive surgery to restore normal joint function and flatten your toe.

If you need hammertoe treatment, call Volusia County Podiatry or schedule an appointment online today.