Hammertoes usually start as mild deformities that get worse over time. As a result, you experience complications like pain, skin changes, poor quality of life, and gait imbalances. We at Care Podiatry check for these conditions to provide the right treatment options and prevent complications.
Hammertoes happen when the joints in your toes change shape, causing them to bend instead of lying flat. It is a very common foot condition. When you have hammertoes, your toes look bent all the time. Usually, the middle part of the toe points upward, and the tip points downward. The condition usually affects the smaller toes, not the big toe.
In the early stages, a hammertoe might not affect how you walk. However, if it is not treated, it gets worse and becomes stiff. As a result, the toe stays stuck in that bent position.
In more extreme cases, the toe looks like an upside-down “V” or a hammer. That’s how the condition got its name. If you notice any changes in your toes or start having pain, trouble walking, or stiffness. Most of our patients at Care Podiatry visit us with similar conditions. We recommend treatment options that relieve your symptoms and help straighten your toe.
The condition gets worse when you ignore the early bending of your toe. You may not know that once the toe becomes stiff and fixed in position, the treatment options become more limited. Wearing narrow, high-heeled, or pointed shoes can increase irritation if the toe is already bent.
Hammertoes can also develop from an imbalance between muscles and tendons in the foot. If you are using common inserts, they can offer temporary cushioning, but they don’t correct the posture. So, before you do in-home treatments, it is advisable to see a foot specialist.
Early (Flexible Hammertoe)
Moderate (Partially Flexible)
Advanced (Rigid Hammertoe)
Complicated (With Diabetes or Circulation Issues)
The toe can still be manually straightened
The toe resists straightening but still has some movement
The toe cannot be straightened
Often rigid
Discomfort
Increased pain, corns or calluses, irritation
Persistent pain, thickened skin, joint stiffness
Ulcers, skin breakdown, infection risk
Hammer toe symptoms can range from mild to severe. You experience pain or discomfort in the affected toes. Corns and calluses develop from friction with footwear and can cause redness, swelling, and inflammation. As a result, you find the condition painful when walking, and stiffness causes discomfort.
Some factors also increase the likelihood of developing hammer toes. It usually happens when you wear ill-fitting shoes for long periods or when you have pre-existing foot conditions like bunions. In some cases, age-related muscle and tendon weakening can cause hammer toes.
Without treatment, hammertoes can lead to
Early evaluation increases your treatment options, and these can prevent the need for surgery. If you are experiencing severe foot pain, let our specialists at Care Podiatry take care of it. Call us at (657) 441-1484 to book an appointment at our Anaheim and Lakewood, CA, offices!
Hammertoes develop from tight or poorly fitting shoes that crowd the toes. Over time, the pressure causes muscle and tendon imbalance.
No. Once the toe starts to bend, it typically does not correct itself without treatment.
They can be. Some people experience some discomfort, while others develop pain due to corns, pressure, or joint stiffness.
Yes. Without treatment, the toe becomes rigid and painful.
