HAMMERTOES
Toe Joint Contracture Causing Deformity
What It Is
Understanding Hammertoes
A hammertoe is a toe deformity caused by an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally keep the toe straight. Over time, the toe bends at the middle joint, creating a curled or “hammer-like” appearance. The deformity may start flexible but can become rigid and painful if left untreated.
Hammertoes often develop due to genetic foot structure, tight footwear, imbalance in the toe’s stabilizing muscles, or underlying conditions such as bunions or arthritis. As the deformity progresses, the toe may rub inside shoes, causing irritation, corns, and increasing discomfort.
What It Is
Understanding Hammertoes
A hammertoe is a toe deformity caused by an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally keep the toe straight. Over time, the toe bends at the middle joint, creating a curled or “hammer-like” appearance. The deformity may start flexible but can become rigid and painful if left untreated.
Hammertoes often develop due to genetic foot structure, tight footwear, imbalance in the toe’s stabilizing muscles, or underlying conditions such as bunions or arthritis. As the deformity progresses, the toe may rub inside shoes, causing irritation, corns, and increasing discomfort.
What It Is
Understanding Hammertoes
A hammertoe is a toe deformity caused by an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally keep the toe straight. Over time, the toe bends at the middle joint, creating a curled or “hammer-like” appearance. The deformity may start flexible but can become rigid and painful if left untreated.
Hammertoes often develop due to genetic foot structure, tight footwear, imbalance in the toe’s stabilizing muscles, or underlying conditions such as bunions or arthritis. As the deformity progresses, the toe may rub inside shoes, causing irritation, corns, and increasing discomfort.
Who Is at Higher Risk
Hammertoes can affect people of all ages, though certain structural and mechanical factors increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Individuals with longer toes, unstable toe joints, or imbalanced foot mechanics may be more prone to toe contractures as the muscles and tendons lose their ability to maintain proper alignment.
Footwear also plays an important role. Shoes that crowd the toes or limit proper toe motion can contribute to deformity by forcing the toes into a bent position over time. Muscle tightness, tendon imbalance, and conditions such as arthritis may further influence severity, particularly as joint flexibility decreases.
The Impact of Hammertoes
Hammertoes can
cause irritation
and interfere with everyday activities, especially when wearing shoes. Symptoms often worsen as the deformity becomes more rigid over time.
Key symptoms to watch for:
- Pain in the bent toe joint
- Corns or calluses from rubbing
- Redness or irritation over the toe
- Increased pressure on the ball of the foot
- Stiffness or reduced toe flexibility
- Toe rubbing against adjacent toes
- Difficulty wearing shoes comfortably
If untreated, hammertoes can become fixed, more painful, and may lead to chronic irritation, skin breakdown, and changes in gait.
The Impact of Hammertoes
Hammertoes can
cause irritation
and interfere with everyday activities, especially when wearing shoes. Symptoms often worsen as the deformity becomes more rigid over time.
Key symptoms to watch for:
- Pain in the bent toe joint
- Corns or calluses from rubbing
- Redness or irritation over the toe
- Increased pressure on the ball of the foot
- Stiffness or reduced toe flexibility
- Toe rubbing against adjacent toes
- Difficulty wearing shoes comfortably
- Stiffness or reduced toe flexibility
- Toe rubbing against adjacent toes
- Difficulty wearing shoes comfortably
- Pain in the bent toe joint
- Corns or calluses from rubbing
- Redness or irritation over the toe
- Increased pressure on the ball of the foot
- Stiffness or reduced toe flexibility
- Toe rubbing against adjacent toes
- Difficulty wearing shoes comfortably
- Pain in the bent toe joint
- Corns or calluses from rubbing
- Redness or irritation over the toe
- Increased pressure on the ball of the foot
- Stiffness or reduced toe flexibility
- Toe rubbing against adjacent toes
- Difficulty wearing shoes comfortably
If untreated, hammertoes can become fixed, more painful, and may lead to chronic irritation, skin breakdown, and changes in gait.
The numbers you need to know
40+
Symptoms often appear after age 40 as flexibility and muscle balance change.
7 Million+
Millions of adults in the United States are affected by hammertoes.
Est. 65%
Many cases are linked to footwear that crowds the toes.
70% Women
Hammertoes are more common in women, often due to restrictive footwear.
40+
Symptoms often appear after age 40 as flexibility and muscle balance change.
7 Million+
Millions of adults in the United States are affected by hammertoes.
Est. 65%
Many cases are linked to footwear that crowds the toes.
70% Women
Hammertoes are more common in women, often due to restrictive footwear.
40+
Symptoms often appear after age 40 as flexibility and muscle balance change.
7 Million+
Millions of adults in the United States are affected by hammertoes.
Est. 65%
Many cases are linked to footwear that crowds the toes.
70% Women
Hammertoes are more common in women, often due to restrictive footwear.
Your Treatment Options
Managing Hammertoes Effectively
Treatment for hammertoes focuses on relieving symptoms, addressing contributing factors, and preventing further joint stiffness. Care is designed to reduce irritation, improve comfort, and support proper toe positioning during daily activities.
Recommendations are guided by the flexibility of the toe, the severity of symptoms, and how the condition affects daily activity. This allows treatment to be tailored appropriately, whether the deformity remains flexible or has become more rigid over time.
Conservative Care:
- Custom orthotics to support proper foot mechanics
- Padding or protective devices to minimize friction
- Footwear modifications to allow adequate toe space
- Anti-inflammatory therapies to address pain and irritation
- Stretching or splinting for flexible deformities
Surgical Solutions:
When hammertoes become rigid or symptoms persist despite conservative care, surgical correction may be considered. Procedures are selected to straighten the toe, relieve pressure points, and improve long-term comfort and function.
Your Treatment Options
Managing Hammertoes Effectively
Treatment for hammertoes focuses on relieving symptoms, addressing contributing factors, and preventing further joint stiffness. Care is designed to reduce irritation, improve comfort, and support proper toe positioning during daily activities.
Recommendations are guided by the flexibility of the toe, the severity of symptoms, and how the condition affects daily activity. This allows treatment to be tailored appropriately, whether the deformity remains flexible or has become more rigid over time.
Conservative Care:
- Custom orthotics to support proper foot mechanics
- Padding or protective devices to minimize friction
- Footwear modifications to allow adequate toe space
- Anti-inflammatory therapies to address pain and irritation
- Stretching or splinting for flexible deformities
Surgical Solutions:
When hammertoes become rigid or symptoms persist despite conservative care, surgical correction may be considered. Procedures are selected to straighten the toe, relieve pressure points, and improve long-term comfort and function.
Your Treatment Options
Managing Hammertoes Effectively
Treatment for hammertoes focuses on relieving symptoms, addressing contributing factors, and preventing further joint stiffness. Care is designed to reduce irritation, improve comfort, and support proper toe positioning during daily activities.
Recommendations are guided by the flexibility of the toe, the severity of symptoms, and how the condition affects daily activity. This allows treatment to be tailored appropriately, whether the deformity remains flexible or has become more rigid over time.
Conservative Care:
- Custom orthotics to support proper foot mechanics
- Padding or protective devices to minimize friction
- Footwear modifications to allow adequate toe space
- Anti-inflammatory therapies to address pain and irritation
- Stretching or splinting for flexible deformities
Surgical Solutions:
When hammertoes become rigid or symptoms persist despite conservative care, surgical correction may be considered. Procedures are selected to straighten the toe, relieve pressure points, and improve long-term comfort and function.