What is A Hammertoe?

A hammertoe is a contracture or bending of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes. This abnormal position of the toes can create pressure points associated with shoes. Common symptoms of hammertoes include:

-Pain or irritation associated with wearing shoes.

-Corns can develop on the top, side, or end of the toes. Corns are caused by friction or irritation from surrounding footgear or adjacent toes.

-Calluses can also develop on the ball of the foot as the fat pad is displaced due to the contracture of the toes.

Even without corns and calluses hammertoes can lead to discomfort due to dislocation of the contracted joints.

Hammertoes are a progressive deformity generally starting with only mild changes in position with gradual progression leading to more permanent non reducible changes.

What Causes Hammertoes?

The underlying cause of hammertoes is a muscle/tendon imbalance. This imbalance leads to abnormal function resulting in contracture of the toes. Initially the position changes are flexible, however with time they become rigid and nonreducible.

Hammertoes can be aggravated by ill fitting shoes. Shoes that crowd the toes or extremely high heels precipitate the symptoms sooner. It is also possible that tauma, such as a broken bone, can lead to hammertoes.

Many times the muscle imbalance leading to hammertoes is inherited.

Non Surgical Treatment

A number of non surgical measures can be undertaken successfully.

-periodic trimming of corns and calluses.

-accommodated padding

-changes in footgear

-orthotic devices

-injection therapy

Surgical Treatment

When accommodative measures are ineffective in relieving symptoms or the deformities continue to progress, surgical treatment may be the most appropriate action. A number of procedures can be performed to address hammertoe deformities. An appropriate examination with x-rays is indicated to determine the most effective treatment surgically.