Hammertoes

What Are Hammertoes?

Hammertoes develop when instability occurs in the tendons that keep your toes straight during rest. If one tendon in a set contracts and another is unable to balance it out, the toe can remain stuck in a bent position.

The middle joint of a toe is frequently the one that is affected by this imbalance, although other joints along a toe can also be similarly bent (these conditions are sometimes known as “mallet toe” or “claw toe”). The second toe on each foot is the most likely to develop a hammertoe bend, but multiple hammertoes are also common.

What Causes Hammertoes?

Plenty of issues can contribute to the imbalance that causes hammertoes. The condition can be the result of a biomechanical problem or the side effect of a pre-existing condition.

Other abnormalities such as bunions and high arches can contribute to the development of hammertoes. So can past trauma to the toes that leave an imbalance in the tendon structure.

Your choice of shoes can also contribute to a developing hammertoe problem. Footwear that is too tight, has raised heels, or cramps the toes can place excess pressure on the forefoot and make hammertoes worse.

Symptoms and Effects of Hammertoes

Hammertoes can make life increasingly uncomfortable the more they progress.

A bent toe in itself can be rather uncomfortable, but it can also:

• Make it hurt to wear certain shoes.
• Develop corns and calluses where the toe rubs against the inside of shoes or other toes.
• Lead to burning sensations as the toe is irritated.
• Cause the development of sores in more severe situations.

Hammertoes are a progressive condition, and will almost always get worse the longer they go untreated. In the early stages, a hammertoe tends to be flexible and can still be straightened out by pressing on it. The joint will often stiffen over time, however, and eventually become completely stuck.