Hammer Toe Treatment Midland
Hammer toes got you down? We may be able to straighten them out.
What is a hammer toe?
Each of our smaller toes is comprised of three bones and two joints, which allow them to bend and straighten. A hammer toe is a deformity where the middle joint of a toe bends or curls downwards instead of pointing out straight. This bend causes the toe to resemble a hammer from the side, hence the name.
Most hammer toes occur over time, but they may also occur as a result of trauma or even be present at birth.
While this condition may occur on any toe, it most commonly affects the second and third toes. Women are also more likely to experience hammer toes than men.
Hammer toe symptoms
The main symptom for diagnosing a hammer toe is its visual appearance, however, it may lead to a variety of other symptoms such as:
- Pain or discomfort on top of the toe, especially when wearing enclosed shoes
- Painful corns and calluses on the joint or tip of the toe
- Redness and swelling
- Restriction or pain when attempting to straighten the toe
- Calluses on the ball of the foot at the base of the affected toe
In more severe cases, affected toes may develop open sores (usually as a result of rubbing on shoes).
Causes of hammer toes
Hammer toes occur when there is an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that usually work together to keep the toe straight. If the contracted position persists for an extended time, these structures may become rigid and permanently fixed in that position.
Factors that may lead to the development of hammer toes include:
- Weakened Structures– The muscles and tendons in the toe can become weakened over time, which can lead to abnormal bending of the toe (and is why hammer toes are most common in people in their fifties and sixties).
- Footwear– Tight or poorly fitting footwear is one of the most common causes of hammer toes.
- Genetics– Some people are more likely to develop hammer toes based on their family history. Inheriting the same foot shape or a longer second toe may predispose you to their development.
- Trauma– An injury in which you’ve stubbed, jammed, or broken a toe may make it more likely for it to develop a hammer toe.
- Bunions– The big toe pushing towards the smaller ones often means that they need to move out of the way. The changing structure of the foot may cause deformities like hammer toes.
- Medical Conditions– Some conditions (like diabetes, arthritis, and even some neurological conditions) may also cause hammer toes.
Hammer toes treatment options
The treatment for hammer toes may be quite varied depending on its cause and severity. Your podiatrist will begin by assessing your hammer toe to rule out any underlying conditions or injuries, then they will work on creating a personalised treatment plan.
Conservative treatment options
Treatment usually focuses on relieving pain and may include:
- Changes to footwear choices, focusing on wider shoes with a deeper toe box to reduce pressure on the toe
- Removing corns and calluses
- Taping, toe props, and padding in an effort to reduce friction and pressure
- Orthotics, which may help to realign the foot and provide padding in the affected area
- Toe exercises that aim to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the toes and potentially improve their flexibility
- Over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatories
- Cortisone injections that may help with pain
Surgical treatment options
Extremely painful and rigid hammer toes may require surgical intervention if conservative treatment options have failed. This may involve removing a portion of the bone or tendon in the affected toe.
It’s important to seek early diagnosis and treatment where possible to avoid more serious outcomes like surgery.
Your Hammer Toe Midland Questions Answered
The only way to completely correct hammer toes is through surgery. Some conservative treatment options, like padding and taping, may help straighten or cushion the toe, but these measures are only temporary. It is possible to manage symptoms and live with hammer toes.
While your podiatrist will usually diagnose a hammer toe during a physical examination and discussion of your symptoms, they may also order imaging tests (such as x-rays) to rule out other conditions (such as a fracture) and to get a better idea of what they’re working with.
If left untreated, a hammer toe may lead to several complications, including the development of painful corns and calluses, infection of corns and calluses (usually in people with poor circulation or diabetes), reduced mobility, chronic pain and discomfort, and increased fall risk.
Why Choose Midland Podiatry?
Care for all
We provide experienced podiatry care for everyone, from little ones taking their first steps to seasoned athletes recovering from injury.
Local healthcare
We have been providing podiatry services to the Midland area for many years now, helping our community to achieve optimal outcomes.
Personalised Solutions
No two patients are alike, which is why we’re committed to providing treatment plans customised to your unique circumstances.
Suspect you have hammer toes? Book an appointment today
If you’re concerned with toe deformities and suspect you have a hammer toe, give the team at Midland Podiatry a call today. We have ample experience in dealing with hammer toes, as well as claw toes and mallet toes, so rest assured that you’ll be in good hands.
Early intervention is important for potentially preventing long-term complications that may affect your quality of life and ability to do the things you love. Don’t wait– book your appointment today.
