Hammertoe: Causes, Effects, and Treatments

Source: Wikipedia | Richard Huber

Hammertoe is one of the top three most common toe deformities. Yet, many people have no idea what it is or what it looks like. Moreover, many people who have hammertoe are completely unaware of their condition. So, what exactly is a hammertoe? What causes the condition? Can it have any negative effects on your health? Finally, if you have the condition, how can you fix a hammertoe? We will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s examine what is meant by “hammertoe.”

What is Hammertoe?

While the name may sound somewhat alarming, hammertoe is a common and relatively harmless condition. Hammertoe occurs when one or more toes have an abnormal bend in the middle joint. Though it can theoretically occur in any of your toes, it most frequently appears in the second, third, or fourth toe, with the second toe (from the big toe) being the most common. In most cases, hammertoe causes the affected toe to protrude upward in the middle.

What Causes Hammertoe?

Hammertoe tends to appear and worsen with age. However, it is most often the result of poor footwear. Wearing high-heeled shoes regularly or for extended periods of time can result in a hammertoe. Additionally, shoes with narrowed points that put pressure on the toes can cause hammertoe to occur.

What Effects Does Hammertoe Have?

Much like shin splints, hammertoe is not a serious condition. In fact, it is most often an aesthetic problem and not much else. However, severe hammertoe can cause some people pain and stiffness, especially when standing or walking. This discomfort can worsen with age and, combined with arthritis, make it extremely painful to get around. As a result, many people with moderate to severe hammertoe look for ways to treat the condition.

How is Hammertoe Treated?

For the vast majority of people with hammertoe, invasive medical treatment is not necessary. As long as the underlying condition does not pose a serious threat to mobility, your doctor will likely prescribe loose-fitting shoes or possibly shoe inserts. Shoe inserts can help cushion the affected toes from the interior of your shoes and make it less painful to get around. In some cases, you may need painkillers to reduce inflammation and improve comfort.

In rare cases, surgery might be needed to treat a hammertoe. This is more common when the hammertoe makes it difficult to walk, put on or take off footwear, or generally go about your daily activities. Surgery will involve correction to the positioning of the bone in your toe. You’ll need to talk with your doctor to see which treatment option is the best fit for your condition.

The Bottom Line

While not a serious threat to your health, hammertoe can be an uncomfortable condition. Depending on the severity, hammertoe can cause quite a bit of pain. However, for most people, hammertoe is simply an eyesore. In any case, be sure to consult with your physician to see if your hammertoe requires treatment!