Hammertoe is a deformity of the second, third or fourth toes. In this condition, the toe is bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. Left untreated, hammertoes can become inflexible and require surgery. People with hammertoe may have corns or calluses on the top of the middle joint of the toe or on the tip of the toe. They may also feel pain in their toes or feet and have difficulty finding comfortable shoes.
Causes of hammertoe include improperly fitting shoes and muscle imbalance.
Treatment for the condition typically involves shoes with soft, roomy toe boxes and toe exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles. Commercially available straps, cushions or non-medicated corn pads may also relieve symptoms. Corns are the waxy hard skin that forms when shoes press against the contracted elevated joint. The corns should be pared down periodically. Corn plasters are acid and often cause inflammation and infection. Have your corns
treated professionally.
Surgery for hammertoes can be underestimated, even by doctors. There are several tendons and joints involved in each toe. The pull of the tendons is influenced by the flexiblility and biomechanics of the entire foot and leg. There is a capsule around the base of the toe where it attaches to the foot. This is a complex tissue that can contract or tear, causing more to consider in the evaluation of hammer toes. The surgical procedure for hammer toes are many and range from simple removal of small spurs to removal of the joint, replacement of the joint, lengthening of shortened tendons and repairing torn cartilage. Dr, Young has over 25 years experience and appreciates the subtle nuances of hammertoes when she evaluates your foot.
