A hammertoe will occur when there is a bending of one or both joints of the second, third, fourth or fifth toes. This bending can put pressure on the toe when wearing shoes, which in turn will cause problems to develop. The most common cause of hammertoe is an imbalance of a muscle or tendon. This is what causes the toe to bend. Some symptoms of hammertoe to look out for are pain or irritation of the affected toe when wearing shoes, corns and calluses on the toe, inflammation, open sores and contracture of the toe. There are a variety of different measures used to treat hammertoe. You can use a pad prescribed by the podiatrist that protects corns and calluses on the feet from irritation. Another option is to change shoewear. Any shoes that are too short, have pointed toes, or shoes with high heels can force the toe against the front of the shoe. Instead, look for shoes that have a comfortable feel that give the toes enough room. Orthotic devices are also found to be helpful. A final treatment would be medications that are anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen, which are recommended to reduce any pain and inflammation. In a small amount of cases if the hammertoe has become painful and rigid, then surgery may be required to treat it. If you feel that you exhibit any of the signs or symptoms of hammertoe, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist as soon as you can. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

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 contact one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.