Of all the afflictions that can detrimentally affect the feet, some can manipulate the toes and the way that they function. Hammertoe is one such foot condition. An individual can develop hammertoe when the second, third, or fourth toe essentially points upward at the first toe joint. This condition is called hammertoe because the affected toe begins to resemble a hammer. There are two primary types of hammertoe. First, you may develop flexible hammertoe where the affected joint can still be moved. This is arguably the less severe case of hammertoe, because it can sometimes be treated by making simple adjustments, such as being more mindful of the footwear that one chooses. Second, you may develop rigid hammertoe, which restricts the individual from moving the affected toe joint. In some cases of rigid hammertoe, the condition can only be addressed through surgery. There are a variety of surgical procedures that might be used to address rigid hammertoe. For example, a medical professional might choose to perform a tendon transfer, joint resection, or fusion. If you suspect that you might have a hammertoe, reach out to a podiatrist who will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. 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 Warren, Livingston, and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.