Have you noticed that one of your smaller toes is beginning to bend or curl instead of lying flat? It could be a hammertoe.
Hammertoe is a common foot deformity that can make shoes uncomfortable, cause painful areas of pressure, and become more difficult to manage as it progresses.
What Is Hammertoe?
Hammertoe occurs when a toe develops an abnormal bend, typically at the middle joint.
The condition most commonly affects the second, third, or fourth toe. In its earlier stages, the toe may remain flexible and straighten when you move it. Over time, the deformity can become more rigid.
What Causes Hammertoe?
Hammertoe develops when the muscles and tendons responsible for keeping the toe straight become imbalanced.
Several factors can contribute, including:
- Foot structure
- Genetics
- Shoes that crowd the toes
- High heels
- Certain underlying conditions
- Previous toe injuries
Shoes aren’t necessarily the sole cause, but footwear that repeatedly forces the toes into a cramped position can aggravate the condition.
What Are the Symptoms of Hammertoe?
The bent appearance of the toe is usually the most noticeable sign, but hammertoe can cause other problems.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain when wearing shoes
- Corns or calluses where the toe rubs against footwear
- Redness or irritation
- Difficulty moving the affected toe
- Pain in the ball of the foot
- Increasing stiffness
As the toe becomes more rigid, finding comfortable shoes can become increasingly difficult.
Can It Go Away on Its Own?
A structural hammertoe generally doesn’t correct itself without addressing the underlying problem.
Early treatment may help relieve symptoms, accommodate the deformity, and potentially slow progression. Waiting until the toe becomes rigid can limit conservative treatment options.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment depends on how flexible the toe remains, how much discomfort you’re experiencing, and what’s contributing to the deformity.
Conservative treatment may include:
- Shoes with a wider toe box
- Padding
- Orthotics when appropriate
- Exercises or stretches
- Addressing painful corns and calluses
Surgery may be considered when a rigid or painful hammertoe continues to interfere with everyday activities despite conservative treatment.
What Shoes Are Best for Hammertoe?
Look for shoes with enough room for your toes to lie comfortably without rubbing against the top or sides of the shoe.
A wide and appropriately deep toe box can reduce pressure on the affected toe. Shoes that are excessively narrow or pointed can make symptoms worse.
Hammertoe Treatment in Eugene
If one of your toes is becoming increasingly bent, stiff, or painful, addressing it sooner can give you more treatment options.
At Eugene Foot & Ankle, we’ll evaluate your hammertoe and recommend treatment based on your symptoms, foot structure, and lifestyle.
Schedule an appointment today and let us help you get back to comfortable feet.
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