Tuesday, 24 January 2023 00:00

Possible Causes of Hammertoe

A foot deformity known as a hammertoe is caused by an imbalance of the ligament and the muscle in the toe joint. It results in a toe where the middle joint rises up to form a mountain shape. Hammertoes are frequently experienced by women, as the result of wearing high-heeled shoes for long periods of time. The structure of the shoe, especially those with pointy toe boxes and very high heels, puts too much pressure on the toes and can cause joint imbalance. Other causes of hammertoes include high arches, bunions, and arthritis. In some cases, a hammertoe may be the result of an injury, as sudden trauma can cause the muscles and tendons in the toe to slip out of alignment. Flat feet are another cause of hammertoe because those with flat feet rely more on their toes for stability. And some people are genetically inclined to develop hammertoes. Hammertoes are categorized as flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. Treatment ranging from non-invasive to surgical will depend on the status of the hammertoe. Please contact a podiatrist for an examination and treatment suggestions if you have a hammertoe.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Jon McCreary, DPM from Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the affected toes
  • Development of corns or calluses due to friction
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Fort Worth, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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