Hammer toe is a common foot condition where one or more of the smaller toes become bent at the middle joint, causing the toe to take on a hammer-like shape. This can lead to discomfort, pain and difficulty finding comfortable footwear. At footfeet, we're here to help you understand hammer toe, from its causes and symptoms to effective treatments and ways to prevent it.
What is Hammer Toe?
Hammer toe primarily affects the second, third, or fourth toes, causing them to bend downward at the middle joint. This condition occurs when the muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the toe become imbalanced, pulling the toe into an unnatural position.
Causes of Hammer Toe
Several factors can contribute to the development of hammer toe, including:
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Improper Footwear: Wearing tight or narrow shoes, particularly high heels, forces the toes into a cramped position, leading to muscle imbalance and ultimately hammer toe.
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Toe Injuries: Past injuries, such as stubbing or breaking a toe, can increase the likelihood of developing hammer toe later on. Bunions can also be a contributing factor to developing hammer toe.
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Genetics: Certain foot shapes, such as high arches, flat feet, or a longer second toe can make some individuals more prone to hammer toe.
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Arthritis: Joint conditions like arthritis can weaken the muscles and tendons, leading to deformities such as hammer toe.
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Muscle Imbalances: Conditions that affect the nerves or muscles, like diabetes or neurological disorders, can cause toe muscles to weaken and create an imbalance, leading to hammer toe.
Symptoms of Hammer Toe
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Pain and Discomfort: Hammer toe can cause discomfort, especially when wearing shoes that rub against the bent toe.
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Blisters, Corns and Calluses: The bent toe often rubs against the inside of the shoe, leading to the formation of blisters, corns and calluses on the top or side of the toe.
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Inflammation and Redness: Irritation from constant friction can cause redness and swelling around the affected joint.
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Difficulty Moving the Toe: In the early stages, hammer toe may still be flexible, but over time, the toe can become rigid and difficult to move.
Hammer toes are progressive in nature, if left untreated they can become rigid and will require complex treatment to correct.
Treatment Options for Hammer Toe
If you’re dealing with hammer toe, there are several ways to manage and alleviate symptoms:
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Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes with a wide toe box to give your toes room to move. Avoid high heels and tight shoes that push the toes into an unnatural position.
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Use Orthotic Inserts: Custom or over-the-counter orthotic inserts can provide arch support, helping to distribute pressure evenly across the foot and reduce strain on the toes.
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Taping, Toe Splints or Caps: Taping, toe splints, caps, or hammertoe cushions can help hold the toe in a straighter position, preventing rubbing against the shoe.
PediFix FELTastic Hammer Toe Cushion
PediFix ToeSnug Adjustable Hammer Toe Wrap
Therastep Gel Hammer Toe Cushion
PediFix Visco-GEL 5 ToeBuddy -
Foot Exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises for the toe muscles can help prevent the condition from worsening. Toe curls, picking up small objects with your toes, or stretching the toe with your hands are effective exercises.
Toe Strong Exercise Resistance Bands -
Anti-Inflammatory Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications can reduce pain and swelling.
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Surgical Intervention: In severe cases where the toe is rigid and causes persistent pain, surgery may be considered to realign the joint and correct the deformity. Consult a podiatrist to determine if surgery is necessary.
Prevention of Hammer Toe
Preventing hammer toe involves taking proactive steps to protect your feet:
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Choose the Right Shoes: Wear supportive shoes with a wide toe box and low heels to reduce pressure on the toes.
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Avoid Prolonged Use of High Heels: High heels put pressure on the toes and can cause hammer toe over time.
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Stretch Regularly: Incorporate toe-stretching exercises into your routine to keep the muscles and tendons flexible.
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Use Orthotics: Orthotic insoles can help correct foot alignment and reduce pressure on the toes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hammer Toe
Q: Is hammer toe reversible?
A: No, however in the early stages, hammer toe may be flexible and can often be improved with exercises, orthotics, and footwear adjustments. However, if left untreated and the toe becomes rigid, surgical correction may be required.
Q: Can hammer toe affect multiple toes?
A: Yes, hammer toe can affect more than one toe, particularly the second, third, and fourth toes. In some cases, all the smaller toes may develop hammer toe if the causes are not addressed.
Q: Are there non-surgical ways to relieve hammer toe pain?
A: Yes, wearing supportive shoes, using orthotics, performing foot exercises, and applying protective toe caps can relieve pain without surgery.
Q: Can hammer toe lead to other foot problems?
A: Yes, hammer toe can lead to corns, calluses, and joint inflammation due to increased friction. It can also create an imbalance in the foot, potentially leading to pain in other areas, such as the ball of the foot or even knee pain.
Q: Do I need to see a podiatrist for hammer toe?
A: If hammer toe is causing significant pain, difficulty moving the toe, or other foot complications, it’s a good idea to consult a podiatrist. They can provide a personalised treatment plan and determine if additional interventions are necessary.
Q: What’s the difference between a bunion and hammer toe?
A: A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, often causing the big toe to lean toward the other toes. This leads to a visible protrusion on the side of the foot and can cause pain and discomfort. A bunion leaning inwards also crowds the smaller toes, this misalignment can cause hammer toes to form on the adjacent toe.
Hammer toe, on the other hand, occurs when the middle joint of one or more smaller toes becomes bent, causing the toe to point downward in a "hammer-like" shape. While both conditions can be painful, bunions affect the big toe joint, whereas hammer toe typically impacts the smaller toes.
Because bunions and hammertoes share causes, they also share preventative measures. Non-surgical interventions for bunions and hammertoes mostly focus on relieving pain and preventing the progression or worsening of the condition.
Q: What is the difference between hammer toe, mallet toe, and claw toe?
A: While all three conditions involve abnormal bending of the toes, they affect different joints and have unique characteristics:
- Hammer Toe: Involves bending at the middle joint of the toe, causing it to point downward. It most commonly affects the second, third, or fourth toes.
- Mallet Toe: Affects the joint closest to the tip of the toe, causing the tip of the toe to bend downward.
- Claw Toe: Involves abnormal bending at both the middle and end joints, causing the toe to curl downward. It typically impacts all four smaller toes and is often associated with muscle imbalances or nerve issues.
Taking steps to address hammer toe early can make a big difference in your comfort and foot health. Explore our Bunions & Hammer Toe Collection at footfeet for podiatrist-approved products, including orthotics, toe splints, and cushioning solutions designed to provide relief and prevent further discomfort.