Cases of hammer toe can vary significantly in severity, often worsening over time. Your toe deformity can make even the simplest of daily activities painful, which is why early diagnosis and treatment are essential.
For personalised advice, contact our team at Foot and Leg Pain Centre today.
What is Hammer Toe?
Toes are comprised of three bones and two joints, which help them to bend and straighten as needed. A hammer toe is a deformity that happens when there is a contracture or bending at the first joint of a toe, which is called the proximal interphalangeal joint. As a result of this bend, the toe itself can start to resemble a hammer shape. While any toe can be affected by hammer toe, this is most commonly developed in the second and third toes.
There are two types of hammer toes – flexible or rigid. Flexible hammer toes are still moveable and can be straightened when pressure is applied. This type of hammer toe is typically less severe. Rigid hammer toes, however, cannot be straightened with force and may require more excessive treatment to be properly corrected.
Signs and Symptoms of Hammer Toe
When diagnosing hammer toe, appearance is the biggest giveaway. When viewing the toe from the side, the hammer shape will be clear, with a definite downward curve. However, several other common symptoms may also indicate hammer toe. If you are experiencing any of the following, you should see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis:
- Pain felt at the top of the toe, often when wearing enclosed footwear
- Pain when attempting to straighten the toe
Restricted movement and flexibility in the toe, especially when straightening it - Redness and swelling at the joint of the toe
- Painful corns and calluses forming over the toe due to pressure
- Calluses on the ball of the foot, at the base of the toe
Common Causes of Hammer Toe
There is a range of factors that can increase your likelihood of developing a hammer toe. For example, women are more commonly affected than men, and people can have a genetic predisposition that increases their chances of developing hammer toe. Other influential factors include:
- Bunions
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Ill-fitting, tight shoes
- Trauma to the toe
- A longer second toe
Overall, however, hammer toes are caused by an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the toe. These all work together to keep a toe straight, so when even one is functioning incorrectly the toe can begin to sit in a contracted position. When a toe remains in this position for long periods of time, it will become rigid and permanently fixed in that position. Hammer toes are progressive in nature, meaning that they most commonly develop over time and are most commonly formed later in life.
Hammer Toe Treatment
Recommended treatments for hammer toes will vary depending on several factors, particularly the cause of the deformity and its severity. If you are experiencing any pain or have reason to think you may be developing a hammer toe, then the best course of action is to visit a podiatrist who can put together a personalised treatment plan. If left untreated, your hammer toe could grow much worse, and require more invasive treatment methods.
Common treatments recommended by a podiatrist may include footwear changes to reduce pressure, removal of corns and calluses, toe taping, orthotics, and other methods of alleviating pressure on the toe. The earlier you can treat your hammer toe, the more likely it is that you will be able to comfortably return to your regular activities in time.
Book an Appointment at Foot and Leg Pain Centre to Address Your Hammer Toe Concerns
Are you experiencing any of the symptoms listed above? It’s time to visit a podiatrist. Here at Foot and Leg Pain Centre, we work with a variety of different podiatry concerns, including hammer toes. The longer you delay treatment, the more you risk your condition worsening. Book an appointment with our friendly team today for a personalised diagnosis and treatment plan. Let’s get you back on your feet!