A hammertoe is described as the abnormal bending at the middle joint of the toe. Over time, the toe becomes more rigid, and corns and bunions may begin to develop. Possible causes of hammertoe include genetic factors, injuries, and ill-fitting shoes. In order to make the discomfort from a hammertoe more manageable, you should wear wider shoes, and make sure the type of shoe is appropriate for the activity you are engaging in. Anti-inflammatory medications are also an option. If the pain becomes too severe, surgery is a possibility. In this surgery, the corn and a portion of the problematic knuckle would be removed. However, a hammertoe can come back after the surgery. In order to avoid this condition from occurring again, do not wear shoes that are pointy or too narrow in the toe area. If you believe you may have a hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Adam Auster of Florida. 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 our offices located in Miami Shores and South Miami, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.