Hammer Toe Specialist

What is hammertoe?

Hammertoe is a term used to describe a foot deformity affecting the middle joint of one or more toes. The condition is most common in your second, third, or fourth toe. When the joint closest to your toenail is affected, that condition is referred to as mallet toe.

Hammertoe creates an abnormal bend in your toe joint that can make it difficult to move your toe without pain. Because the toe is not in proper alignment, your skin can rub against the inside of your shoes, leading to corns or calluses.

How did I get hammertoe?

Hammertoe often develops because of improperly fitting shoes. If you wear high heels or shoes that are tight in the toe area, undue pressure is placed on your toes. That can cause some toes to curl in an unnatural position. After a long enough time, that curled position can persist even when you’re not wearing shoes.

Hammertoe can also develop from:

• A traumatic foot injury
• Arthritis or diabetes
• Unusually high arches
• The pressure created by a bunion
• Spinal cord or peripheral nerve damage

As you can see, there are some causal factors that are under your control and others that are not. That’s why it’s so important to seek medical care for any foot abnormality as soon as you notice an issue.

Can hammertoe be corrected?

If your foot deformity has not reached an advanced stage, it’s possible that changing your footwear may correct the issue. Your Podiatry Clinic of Jackson specialist can determine the extent of the damage and whether your shoes are causing the problem.

In some cases, using over-the-counter insoles or other shoe inserts can help relieve pressure on the affected toes. Ask your podiatrist about professional custom orthotics designed to work with your unique anatomical configuration.

For some men and women, surgery is required to correct the joint alignment. Hammertoe can lead to deformed bones or ligaments, and those tissues will not heal on their own. Surgery allows for repair of damaged tissue and realignment of the affected joint. These procedures are usually done on an outpatient basis.

If you’ve noticed changes in the shape of your toes, or pain and limited toe mobility, book a consultation at Podiatry Clinic of Jackson to look into treatment options. Left untreated, hammertoe can worsen over time, creating the need for more involved treatment paths.