A hammertoe is a formed bend of the toe at the joint closest to the tip of the toe called the proximal interphalangeal joint. Any toe can form this, but it usually affects the second through fifth toes and is more common in females. There are two different types of hammertoes. Flexible hammertoes are less serious because they can be treated while still forming. They are called flexible hammertoes because the joint is still moveable. Rigid hammertoes is a more developed and serious form. The tendons in a rigid hammertoe have become tight, the joint is typically malformed and cannot be moved making surgery the usual course of treatment.
A hammertoe is formed due to an abnormal balance of the muscles in the toes. The muscles cause increased pressures on the tendons and joints leading to malformation. Factors causing a hammertoe include: heredity, trauma, arthritis, and wearing shoes that are too tight causing the toes to squeeze. You may have a hammertoe if you feel pain at the top of a bent toe from footwear, corns on the top of the joint, redness and swelling at the joint, or pain in the ball of the foot at the base of the bent toe. It is important to see a podiatrist at the first indication of pain and discomfort because hammertoes tend to become rigid, having surgery as the only treatment. Treatment options vary with the type and severity of each hammertoe. Podiatric physicians typical use an x-ray along with their examination to determine the correct treatment plan. Treatment options typically start with a padding and tape to minimize pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone injections can also be used for pain management. Orthotic devices are helpful with flexible hammertoes and as mentioned before, surgery is typically needed for rigid hammertoes.
By, Dr. Scott Hamilton of Coastal Podiatry Associates Myrtle Beach, SC