Hammertoes: Causes, Risk Factors, and Treatment
A hammertoe is a foot condition in which the toe is bent abnormally—pointing downwards instead of lying flat. It usually affects the second, third, or fourth toe and may be flexible and rigid. As its name suggests, a flexible hammertoe can still be moved, while a rigid one can’t.
Hammertoe pain is a common symptom of this foot condition, along with blisters, corns, and difficulty walking. Experiencing these can significantly impact your life, so it’s best to treat hammertoes immediately. Here’s what you need to know:
What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Hammertoes?
A hammertoe develops when there is a muscle imbalance in your toes, causing them to form a downward shape. It can happen for various reasons, such as a traumatic toe injury. Other causes include:
- Wearing Certain Types of Shoes
High-heeled shoes can cause excess strain and pressure on your toes and joints, leading to hammertoes. Hence, women are more likely to develop this foot condition. Besides that, wearing narrow and ill-fitting shoes that crowd your toes also increases your risk of having a hammertoe. - Genetic Predisposition
Besides having a family history of hammertoes, the shape and structure of your feet from birth may contribute to developing this condition. Those with high arches, flat feet, and a longer second toe are likelier to develop a hammertoe. - Health Issues
Certain health conditions affecting the feet and ankles can increase the risk of developing hammertoes. These include arthritis, diabetes, stroke, polio, and spinal cord tumors.
How Are Hammertoes Treated?
There are various ways to ease and treat symptoms of hammertoe pain. Depending on the severity of your condition, some treatments may involve wearing custom orthotic shoes, stretching and exercising, and taping and splinting your toes. For more severe cases, your foot doctor may recommend surgery.
Get Reliable Foot Care and Treatment
Learning about hammertoes will help you determine whether you are at risk or have symptoms of this foot condition. If you experience hammertoe pain and want a foot checkup, consult a trusted podiatrist. Contact Thomas Podiatry & Associates in Salisbury, MD for more information.