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Hammertoe is challenging and sometimes painful for the patients we see that experience it. Hammertoe happens when the pressure from stepping and using your feet pushes your toes out of place and the tendons and joints lock in place, creating a curled toe. Usually affecting the second through fifth toes, not all hammertoes cause pain, but it depends on the severity of the hammertoe and treatment options at hand.
Hammertoes are common and count for almost 20% of foot and ankle related issues. Surgery is rarely needed, and there are several at home treatment options your podiatrist will recommend you implement to prevent future hammertoes from happening.
There are a variety of factors that can cause someone to experience hammer toe. The most common one is improper fitting shoes. The natural differences in peoples feet can create imbalances when wearing mass produced shoes, which is why it is important to try on shoes and make sure your feet feel supported when in use. Not every shoe will be the perfect fit, even if it's your size, which is why the best shoe for you might not be the best for your friend, you have different feet!
To address the most common issues that cause hammertoe, (high arch, flat feet, long toes, health conditions) try custom orthotics that are made for your shoes and your feet. These provide support beyond a typical shoe and can make up for the difference in the shoe where your feet might need more or less support than a traditional shoe insole provides.
Another common cause of hammertoe can be bunions. These push your toes out of their natural alignment and can change your gait, putting more weight on your toes than necessary and stretching the tendons in your toes. This is why bunions are important to address even if they are not currently causing pain, as they can lead to further health issues.
When correcting a hammertoe, things like padding for your toes, medical tape and spacers to hold your toes in the correct position with proper support may be recommended depending on the severity of your hammertoe. Very rarely, surgery is required when the above listed methods fail to bring your toes back to the correct positioning.
At home exercises can be another helpful tool to prevent hammertoe from happening again, as they help strengthen the tendons, joints and muscles to bring your toes back to the best positioning for your balance and natural gait.
If you believe you are experiencing hammertoe, contact us today to get the care you deserve. Don't let pain knock you off track, Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona is here to help you get back up and running with over five valley locations and quality, local foot and ankle care you can trust.