A hammertoe is a deformity that causes one or more of the smaller toes to bend instead of resting in a straight position. It may begin as a flexible deformity but can become increasingly rigid, painful, and difficult to accommodate in regular shoes.
At Preferred Footcare, our podiatrists provide personalized hammertoe treatment in Stamford, Connecticut. We evaluate the position and flexibility of the affected toes, identify contributing foot conditions, and recommend treatment based on your symptoms and activity needs.
If a bent toe is causing pain, rubbing, corns, or difficulty wearing shoes, call (203) 975-9600 or request an appointment with Preferred Footcare.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe develops when the muscles and tendons controlling a toe become unbalanced. This imbalance pulls the toe into a bent position at its middle joint.
Hammertoes most commonly affect the second, third, or fourth toes. The deformity may initially remain flexible, allowing the toe to be moved into a straighter position. Over time, the joint may become stiff or rigid.
There are three related types of smaller-toe deformities:
Hammertoe: The toe bends downward at the middle joint.
Mallet toe: The joint nearest the end of the toe bends downward.
Claw toe: The toe bends upward where it meets the foot and downward at the other joints.
The raised portion of a bent toe may repeatedly rub against the inside of a shoe. This pressure can result in inflammation, corns, calluses, and, in severe cases, open sores.
What Causes Hammertoes?
Hammertoes usually develop because the muscles, tendons, and ligaments responsible for keeping the toe straight are no longer properly balanced.
Factors that may contribute to hammertoes include:
- Inherited foot structure
- A toe that is longer than the others
- Flat feet or high arches
- Bunions
- Tight or shortened tendons
- Arthritis
- Previous toe injuries
- Nerve or muscle conditions
- Abnormal pressure across the front of the foot
- Shoes that crowd or compress the toes
- Frequent use of high-heeled footwear
Shoes do not cause every hammertoe, but narrow or poorly fitted footwear can push the toes into a bent position and aggravate an existing deformity.
A bunion may also contribute to hammertoe development. As the big toe shifts toward the smaller toes, it can place additional pressure on the second toe and affect its position.
Hammertoe Symptoms
Hammertoes do not always cause pain during their early stages. Symptoms may become more noticeable as the toe loses flexibility or experiences repeated pressure from footwear.
Common symptoms include:
- A toe that remains bent or curled
- Pain when wearing shoes
- Redness or inflammation
- A burning sensation
- Corns on top of the toe
- Calluses on the toe or ball of the foot
- Stiffness in the affected joint
- Difficulty moving or straightening the toe
- Pain under the front of the foot
- The sensation of walking on a lump
- Open sores in severe cases
Corns and calluses develop in response to repeated friction and pressure. Treating the surface of a corn without addressing the bent toe may provide only temporary relief.
Patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation should seek professional care for corns, calluses, blisters, or open sores. Attempting to cut or remove them at home can lead to injury or infection.
Hammertoes may become increasingly rigid over time, making early evaluation valuable when the toe is still flexible. Foot Health Facts
How Hammertoes Are Diagnosed
Hammertoes can usually be identified during a physical examination. However, the podiatrist will also evaluate the entire foot to determine why the deformity developed and whether another condition is contributing to the symptoms.
During your appointment, the podiatrist may:
- Examine the position of the affected toes
- Determine whether the deformity is flexible or rigid
- Check for corns, calluses, redness, or wounds
- Evaluate movement in the toe joints
- Examine the position of the big toe
- Assess the structure of the arch
- Check for pain under the ball of the foot
- Evaluate circulation and sensation
- Observe how you stand and walk
- Review the footwear you normally wear
Weight-bearing X-rays may be recommended to evaluate the position of the bones and joints. The images can also show arthritis, joint damage, or related deformities such as a bunion.
The flexibility of the toe is an important part of the evaluation. Flexible and rigid hammertoes may require different treatment approaches.
Nonsurgical Hammertoe Treatment
Early treatment focuses on reducing pressure, relieving discomfort, and accommodating the bent toe. Nonsurgical care cannot always permanently straighten the toe, but it may help control symptoms.
Your treatment plan may include:
Roomier Footwear
Shoes with a wide and deep toe box can provide more space for the bent toe. Avoid narrow, pointed, or high-heeled shoes that push the toes together.
There should be enough depth inside the shoe to prevent the raised joint from rubbing against the upper material.
Protective Padding
Padding can cushion corns and sensitive areas where the toe rubs against the shoe. Pads should be positioned carefully because incorrectly placed padding may increase pressure.
Avoid using medicated corn-removal pads unless advised by your healthcare provider. These products may damage healthy skin, especially in patients with diabetes or circulation problems.
Splinting or Strapping
A flexible hammertoe may be supported with splinting or strapping. This can improve alignment temporarily and reduce friction, but it will not permanently correct the underlying imbalance.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics may be recommended when abnormal foot movement or uneven pressure contributes to the deformity. They can support the foot and redistribute pressure away from painful areas.
Toe Exercises and Stretching
Exercises may help maintain flexibility and strengthen the muscles that control the toes. Your podiatrist can recommend movements that are appropriate for your condition.
Exercises cannot always correct a rigid hammertoe, but they may help preserve movement during the flexible stage.
Corn and Callus Care
The podiatrist may carefully reduce thickened skin to relieve pressure and discomfort. Professional care is particularly important for patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation.
Medication or Injection Therapy
Medication may be recommended to manage pain and inflammation. Injection therapy may be considered in selected cases when inflammation contributes to the symptoms.
These treatments may provide relief but do not permanently straighten the toe.
When Is Hammertoe Surgery Considered?
Surgery may be considered when the hammertoe becomes rigid, causes persistent pain, contributes to recurring sores, or does not improve with appropriate conservative care.
The purpose of hammertoe surgery is to improve alignment, reduce painful pressure, and restore a more functional toe position.
Depending on the condition, surgery may involve:
- Releasing or lengthening a tight tendon
- Transferring a tendon to improve balance
- Removing a small portion of bone
- Realigning the affected joint
- Fusing a rigid toe joint
- Stabilizing the toe during healing
- Correcting an associated bunion or other deformity
The recommended procedure depends on the flexibility of the toe, the condition of the joint, the severity of the deformity, and whether other foot problems are present.
Recovery requirements vary by procedure. Your podiatrist will explain expected swelling, footwear, activity restrictions, and when you may return to work or regular shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hammertoes
Can a hammertoe be straightened without surgery?
A flexible hammertoe may temporarily appear straighter with splinting, exercises, or changes in footwear. However, these measures do not always permanently correct the deformity. A rigid hammertoe may require surgery if it causes significant symptoms.
Will a hammertoe get worse?
Hammertoes are often progressive. A flexible toe may become stiffer over time, especially when it continues to experience pressure from footwear or an underlying muscle imbalance.
Are hammertoes caused by tight shoes?
Tight shoes are not the only cause, but they can aggravate the condition. Foot structure, muscle imbalance, bunions, arthritis, and previous injuries may also contribute.
Can custom orthotics correct a hammertoe?
Custom orthotics cannot permanently straighten a hammertoe. They may help manage abnormal pressure and improve support when foot mechanics contribute to the problem.
Why do corns develop on hammertoes?
A bent toe may rub against the inside of the shoe. The skin thickens in response to repeated friction and pressure, creating a corn.
Should I remove a corn at home?
Do not cut a corn with a blade or sharp instrument. Patients with diabetes, reduced sensation, or circulation problems should receive professional foot care to reduce the risk of wounds and infection.
When should I see a podiatrist?
Schedule an evaluation if a bent toe becomes painful, stiff, red, or difficult to fit into shoes. Prompt care is important if you develop an open sore, drainage, increasing redness, or signs of infection.
Schedule a Hammertoe Evaluation in Stamford, CT
Early treatment may help reduce painful pressure and preserve flexibility before a hammertoe becomes rigid. Preferred Footcare can evaluate the affected toe, identify contributing foot conditions, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Call (203) 975-9600 or request an appointment online for hammertoe treatment in Stamford, Connecticut.
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