With the exception of your thumb toe, or big toe, each toe in your foot has three joints. When a person has a hammertoe, they have a bending deformity in the second joint of their toe, which almost always occurs in the second, third, or fourth toe. Hammertoe can occur in multiple toes on the same foot.
Hammertoe is a visually descriptive name — the irregular bend of your toe causes it to look like a hammer. Deformity of your third toe joint is called mallet toe, and claw toe can impact any of your toe joints. Each of these names also reflects its shape. Hammertoes are a painful problem and if you have this, treatment is necessary to prevent the deformity from worsening or causing it to rub on your shoes.
The most common complaint Dr. Knudson hears from patients is pain on the top or tip (end) of the toe. In the early stages of hammertoe, you may also experience pain and discomfort when stretching or moving your toes. Other symptoms include:
A toe that bends downward
Corns
Calluses
Difficulty walking
Inability to flex foot or wiggle toes
Inflammation and redness
Burning sensation
Hammertoe can be a genetic condition and tends to be more common in people with high foot arches or flat arches. Wearing shoes like flip-flops and slides can cause the toes to grip the shoes to keep them in place. Continuing to wear these shoes can make hammertoes worse.
Hammertoes can sometimes be prevented if it’s caught early enough. Certain shoes and arch supports can reduce the pull of the tendons in the toes. This can decrease the chances of the condition becoming painful and needing surgery. Hammertoes can be treated and is classified into two categories:
FLEXIBLE HAMMERTOE
If you can pull your toe into a straightened position with your fingers, this is considered to be flexible hammertoe. Flexible hammertoe isn’t usually a major concern, though you should see a podiatrist to learn how to keep the condition from worsening.
RIGID HAMMERTOE
If you can’t pull your toe into a straightened position with your fingers, you likely have rigid hammertoe. Rigid hammertoe may require surgery.
Although having hammertoes may be painful and scary, the good news is that Dr. Leonard J Knudson, DPM of Associated Foot Care Clinic can usually treat hammertoe with conservative therapies if you come in while your toe remains flexible. It is important to know that hammertoe never heals on its own and can become progressively worse over time. Once your toe becomes rigid, surgery could be your only option. Here are five ways to treat your hammertoe:
BUY NEW SHOES
New shoes are crucial. Look for options with a roomy toe box to comfortably accommodate your toes. It also goes without saying that you should avoid narrow or pointy toes and stick with heels two inches or fewer.
TRY ORTHOTIC INSERTS
Orthotics fit inside your shoes. They work by relieving pressure on your toe, restoring muscle balance, and preventing irritation.
CONSIDER TAPING, SPLINGTING, OR PADDING
Dr. Knudson may prescribe one of several products that help straighten your toe and relieve pain. A common example of this includes splinting and taping to hold your toe in a normal position and adding padding to help cushion it.
CULVER CITY FOOT DOCTOR SINCE 1982 HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HOSPITAL CULVER CITY
Our services and treatments includes; Arch Disorders, Arch and Heel Pain, Ankle Pain, Ankle Therapy, Arthritis, Bunions, Calluses, Custom Orthotics, Diabetic Foot Treatments, Feet Pain, Foot Injury, Hammertoes, Heel Pain, Ingrown Toenails and more. View Full Service by clicking here.
The Associated Foot Care Clinic of Dr. Leonard J Knudson is located at 9808 Venice Blvd. Suite 600 in Culver City, California 90232. We are open from Mondays to Fridays, 9:00am to 5:00pm and we are closed during the weekends.
Dr. J. Leonard Knudson is a Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Culver City and near West Los Angeles. We also tend to patients from nearby - UCLA, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice, Santa Monica and the West Los Angeles area.
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