Hammertoes are a foot deformity in which one or more of the smaller toes are bent at the middle joint, resulting in a hammer-like appearance. In the early stages of this condition, the hammertoes are usually flexible and the patient can move their toe joints. Flexible hammertoes can often be treated without surgery. Changing your footwear, doing toe strengthening exercises, and putting a pad over the joint to stop it from rubbing against the shoes can all help relieve symptoms. Having rigid hammertoes means that the toe joints are no longer movable. This can be treated conservatively through footwear modifications and custom orthotics, or surgically. For more information about hammertoes, please consult with a podiatrist.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Scott Shrem from Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Hazlet, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.