Do you have one or more toes "stuck" in a bent or curled position? Maybe it isn’t bothering your mobility now, but you're concerned the problem might get worse. Listen to your instincts—chances are, you have a progressive deformity known as a hammer toe. And if you do, the earlier you seek help, the better your chances of managing this condition and delaying—or outright preventing—surgical correction.
At Sunshein Podiatry, our experienced Centerville foot doctors help people throughout Greater Dayton understand how this condition might affect them in the long run, and what their solutions are for effective, and often non-invasive, hammer toe treatment.
What Causes Hammer Toes?
To move and articulate smoothly, the toes require groups of muscles, tendons, and ligaments to work in pairs, allowing them to flex and extend. However, an imbalance in the strength of these tissue groups may leave the muscles responsible for extending the toe unable to do so normally. A hammer toe develops when the middle toe joint can no longer lie straight on its own. It remains in a bent position at rest, giving the toe the appearance of a piano hammer. While it usually happens on the second toe—particularly if those toes extend further than the big toe—it's not uncommon for the smallest toes to have the issue, too.
Several factors, both inherited and environmental, can contribute to this imbalance. They include:
- Tight shoes. Footwear that crowds toes or puts excess weight on the forefoot, such as high heels, is a big culprit.
- Imbalances in foot structure. You may have inherited a foot shape that is more prone to developing hammer toes. If one or more of your ancestors had hammer toes, you're at greater risk.
- Traumatic injuries. Stubbing, jamming, breaking, or spraining a toe increases the likelihood of developing a hammer toe in the future.
- Overuse injuries. Runners, athletes, dancers, and other active individuals may develop hammer toes not only as a result of the shoes they wear, but also activities that may cause repeated, repetitive trauma to the front of the foot.
It's vitally important to understand that hammer toes don't get better on their own—only worse. Unless you seek a consultation for treatment options early, over time, the affected joint becomes more rigid and arthritic, leading to complex pain and eventually requiring surgical intervention to fix.
What Are Symptoms of a Hammer Toe?
At first, you might notice a slight bend. But over time, signs include:
- A more defined downward curve of the middle joint
- Pain or irritation when wearing shoes
- Corns or calluses on the top of the toe or between toes
- Redness, swelling, or inflammation around the affected joint
- Stiffness or difficulty straightening the toe
- Discomfort while walking or standing
Why Choose Sunshein Podiatry for Hammer Toe Treatment?
We've created more than just another practice. We've built a place where your story matters as much as your symptoms. Where your "why" drives everything we do. Our knowledgeable podiatrists ensure that you receive a thorough consultation, including a comprehensive foot examination, a deep understanding of your lifestyle, and a diagnosis, before recommending various treatment options.
For example, mild hammer toes that aren't yet rigid and arthritic and not causing daily pain can often be managed with conservative treatments such as:
- Wearing better shoes. Always opt for comfortable, supportive footwear with ample room to accommodate the natural movement of your toes.
- Toe exercises. Although they won’t reverse whatever bend in the joint has already occurred, exercises such as picking up marbles, curling a towel, and manually stretching the toe help strengthen the muscles to slow further progression of a hammer toe.
- Over-the-counter pads and straps. These devices can cushion the toe against friction to prevent corns and calluses and help the toe to lie straight.
- Wearing orthotics. If your hammer toes are the result of structural flaws or gait abnormalities, the right pair of custom orthotics alleviates the stress on the toe joint and slows the rate of progression.
Now, if your hammer toe is severe and impairing daily function, and traditional remedies don't provide the relief you need, our skilled foot and ankle surgeons will likely recommend corrective procedures. Depending on your age, the severity of your condition, your lifestyle, and other factors, surgical interventions may include tendon release and/or transfer to remove part or all of the joint or bone. Hammer toe surgery is highly successful on average, with most people healing in about six weeks. Before your surgical appointment, we’ll make sure you are fully educated on what to expect and how to care for your feet during your recovery.
Since 1991, we've provided Dayton-area patients with high-quality care. Put your trust in us to help you live pain-free and independent.