If you notice that your toe does not lie flat, but instead has formed a peak in the middle, it is likely that you have developed a hammertoe. Although a hammertoe may be congenital, most develop over time. The main culprits in the latter case are arthritis and ill-fitting footwear. A hammertoe develops when the muscles weaken enough to cause an imbalance in the middle joint of the toe. The muscles tighten and the joint pops up, most often in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th toe. Women are at higher risk of hammertoes, especially if they frequently wear high heels with pointed toes. These shoes can force the feet into a fixed, flexed position. Other causes include a toe that is stubbed, jammed, or broken. A hammertoe can become painful as the raised part of the joint rubs against the inside of a shoe. Proper footwear is the number one way to prevent a hammertoe. Diagnosis of the severity of a hammertoe will determine the treatment options available to you. Please consult with a podiatrist for an examination and an appropriate treatment plan.    

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.