Hammertoes

A hammer toe is a bending of the toe at the first joint, called the proximal interphalangeal joint. This bending causes the toe to look like an upside-down V. Any toe can be affected, but the condition usually affects the second through fifth toes. A flexible hammer toes is still able to bend, while a rigid hammer toe is immobile. Sometimes more than one toe joint may be bent resulting in a double hammertoe or "claw" toe- the treatment options for this deformity are the same for hammertoes.

A hammer toe develops because of an abnormal balance of the muscles and tendons controlling the toes. This can be caused by a faulty foot structure (excess pronation or too high of an arch) or due to muscle weakness higher up in the leg.
Heredity
Trauma
Wearing shoes that are too tight
Neuropathy

While you won't be able to "cure your hammertoe, there are many things you can try to decrease your pain.

Apply a non-medicated hammer toe pad around the bony prominences of the toe
Wear a shoe with a wide toe box and avoid wearing socks or shoes that are too tight
Rest and ice
Over-the-counter pain medication

If the above treatments aren't working to control your pain or if your hammertoe deformities are worsening and becoming more rigid.

Dr. Amin and Dr. Hurwitz always start by listening to your concerns and performing a thorough physical examination.
X-rays are often required

What is the Treatment for hammertoes?

The treatment options vary with the type and severity of each hammer toe, but your treatment options may include:

Prescription anti inflammatory or steroid injections to help decrease pain and inflamation
Padding and taping to help offload pressure from the painful joints
Custom orthotics can often be helpful by helping to control abnormal foot function
If conservative measures do not work, surgical correction of the hammertoes may be required.