Common Foot and Ankle Problems & Treatments
Hammertoe Deformities

General Information

Hammertoes, mallet toes, and claw toes are all deformities describing bending or clawing of the toes. The toe ligaments and tendons tighten, causing a buckling of the toe joints. The result is a contracture of the toe upward, whereas on a normal foot the toes lie flat. The difference among hammertoes, mallet toes, and claw toes is the location and direction of the deviation of the toe.

Causes

The main cause of hammertoe deformities is genetics. In addition, tight shoes or high heels that crowd the toes can contribute to hammertoe deformities. Hammertoes may also be brought on by injury or by bunions pushing the big toe against the smaller toes.

The Effects of Hammer Toe

The effect of the condition is a tightening of the ligaments and tendons of the toe, causing a buckling of the joint of the toe.

The result is a cocking of the toe upward, whereas on a normal foot the toes lie flat.

Shoes can then rub on the top of the cocked toe, eventually causing painful corns or calluses.

If the deformities are not treated early enough, the toe may become permanently fixed and rigid.

Symptoms of hammer toe

  • There will be an obvious hammer-shaped deformity of the affected toe.
  • In addition to pain, corns or callus may form on the upper part of the toe due to rubbing against the shoe. A corn or callus may also develop on the tip of the toe from pressure. Lastly, the ball of the foot may become painful in cases where the toe is severely contractured.
  • Sufferers may find it difficult to find shoes that do not cause pain and rubbing.
  • Ulcers may develop in sufferers with diabetes because of decreased sensitivity in the toes and foot.

Diagnosis

Physical examination by your podiatrist is the best way to diagnosis and treat your hammertoes. X-rays can be taken in the office to determine the severity of the deformity.

Treatment

Conservative treatments including padding, changing shoe gear, and custom orthotics.

Surgical treatments are also available.

Discuss with your podiatrist the best treatment option for you.

 

 

Treatment

How can hammer toe be treated?

Conservative treatments including padding, changing shoe gear, and custom orthotics.

Surgical treatments are also available.

Discuss with your podiatrist the best treatment option for you.

How can I relieve the symptoms of hammer toe?

The symptoms of hammer toe and the other related conditions of mallet toe and claw toe can be relieved with conservative measures, if treated early enough, before the abnormal position becomes rigidly fixed. Try these methods:

  • Wear shoes with soft and roomy toe boxes (at least ½ inch longer than the longest toe).
  • Avoid wearing high heels.
  • Stretch the upper part of the shoe to accommodate a fixed hammer toe.
  • Strengthen toe muscles with exercises, such as picking up marbles with the toes, and stretching exercises.
  • Wear orthotics.
  • Wear soft pads over the corns or calluses.
  • Shave off thickened skin with a pumice stone or file.