A hammertoe is a contracture or bending of the toe at the first joint of the digit, called the proximal interphalangeal joint. This bending causes the toe to appear like an upside-down V when looked at from the side. Any toe can be involved, but the condition usually affects the second through fifth toes, known as the lesser digits. Hammertoes are more common to females than males.

Hammertoes can result in pain upon pressure at the top of the bent toe from footwear. Occasionally a corn can develop on the top of the joint. There is often redness and swelling associated with the joint contracture which can include the ball of the foot at the base of the affected toe.

Causes of Hammer Toes:

• Heredity
• Trauma
• Ill-fitting shoes
• Muscle imbalance
• Arthritis

Prevention:

• Wear a supportive shoe with a deep toe box.
• If the hammertoe becomes inflamed and painful, apply ice packs several times a day to reduce swelling.
• A loose-fitting pair of shoes can also help protect the foot while reducing pressure on the affected toe, making walking a little easier until treatment can be arranged.
• Commercial, nonmedicated hammertoe pads placed around the bony prominence of the hammertoe will also temporarily decrease pressure on the area.
• It is important to remember that, while the above treatments will make the hammertoe feel better, it does not cure the condition.

Treatment

The treatment options vary with the type and severity of each hammer- toe, although identifying the deformity early in its development is important to avoid surgery. Podiatric medical attention should be sought at the first indication of pain and discomfort because, if left untreated, hammertoes tend to become rigid, making a nonsurgical treatment less of an option.

Your FDFAC physician will examine and X-ray the affected area and recommend a treatment plan specific to your condition. Talk with your FDFAC physician about which bunion treatment is best for you.

• Padding and Taping - Often this is the first step in a treatment plan. Padding the hammertoe prominence can minimize pain. Taping may change the imbalance around the toes and thus relieve the stress and pain.
• Medication - Anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone injections can be prescribed to ease acute pain and inflammation caused by the joint deformity.
• Orthotic Devices - Custom shoe inserts made by your FDFAC physician may be useful in controlling foot function. An orthotic device may reduce symptoms and prevent the worsening of the hammertoe deformity.
• Surgery - When conservative treatments fail or the hammertoe progresses past the threshold for such options, podiatric surgery may become necessary to relieve pressure and repair the toe joint.