Hammertoe is a deformity of the toes that causes the small toes to bend at the joint. If left untreated, hammertoes can be permanent. Common signs of hammertoe include curling toes, thickening of the skin on the affected toe, trouble finding shoes that fit correctly, and pain. One of the leading causes of hammertoe is poor fitting shoes. Avoid shoes that have a narrow and pointed toe, that are too tight, or that have a high heel. Shoes that have wide toe boxes and are roughly a half inch longer than your longest toe are generally best to reduce the risk of hammertoe. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan for hammertoe will require visiting a podiatrist, so if you believe that you are suffering from hammertoe, consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible. 

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein of Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Chicago, Highland Park, and Uptown, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.