A hammertoe can develop when the soft tissues that guide toe movement stop working together the way they should. In some cases this includes a ligament in the foot that becomes overly tight or loses its normal support, causing the toe to lift at the middle joint and settle into a curved position. When this happens, the toe may feel stiff, sore, or crowded in a shoe because its alignment no longer matches the surrounding toes. The skin can become irritated from rubbing, and pressure points may form that make walking uncomfortable. Addressing the problem depends on how rigid the toe has become and how much the involved ligament is influencing the deformity. A podiatrist can examine the toe, review how the ligament is functioning, and suggest options such as shoe adjustments, protective padding, inserts, or procedures that correct the underlying cause. If the toe is becoming painful or harder to move, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Arnold Farbstein, DPM of Texas. 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 office located in Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.