Hammertoes are toes that are bent because of a weakened muscle. The weakened muscle makes the tendons (tissues that connect muscles to bone) shorter, causing the toes to curl under the feet. The condition is actually a toe deformity that happens when one of the toe muscles becomes weak and puts pressure on the toe’s tendons and joints.

Hammertoes can run in families. They can also be caused by shoes that are too small. Hammertoes can cause problems with walking, and can lead to other foot problems, such as blisters, calluses, and sores. Splinting and corrective footwear can help in treating hammertoes. In severe cases, surgery to straighten the toe may be necessary.

Hammer toes that are just starting to develop, such as with children or young adults, are usually flexible, meaning the toe can be manually pulled straight. But the longer a hammer toe has been present, the more likely it is to be rigid, or non-reducible. This is because bone and soft tissue changes have occurred over time.

There is controversy over how much of a role shoes play in the development of hammer toes and other foot deformities, such as bunions. It is unlikely that shoes, such as high heels, are to blame for toe problems, such as hammertoes.

Hammertoes and their symptoms generally worsen over time, as the friction between the foot and footwear becomes more severe. If left untreated, they can become rigid and open sores may form. If you are suffering from this condition, it is important to seek help sooner rather than later as they will not heal without treatment of some kind. Treatment options include changing footwear, padding the corns and calluses that form, trimming the corns and calluses, custom orthotic footwear or devices, anti-inflammatory medications and splinting the affected toe. Surgery is recommended in some severe cases. Contact us today to discuss your hammertoe problem and we will begin finding a viable treatment option right away.