Hammertoes

Hammertoe is a deformity of the second toe, next to the big toe. 

The joints of the toe bend up in a way that makes the toe look like it is forming an upside down "V". The joint of the toe that sticks up often bumps the top of the shoe. While hammertoes can develop on any toe, they usually occur in the second toe. Claw toes or mallet toes look a lot like hammertoes, but a different joint in the toe does the bending.

Hammertoes are not usually painful at first. When they start, they can be pushed down to the right position, so they are called flexible hammertoes. After a while, they will not go back to the normal position, even if pushed with the fingers. These are called rigid hammertoes.

Weak muscles in the foot cause hammertoes. When the muscles become weak, leg muscles that are stronger take over, and pull on the toe until it is deformed. The tendency for hammertoes can be inherited from family, or caused by an injury. Arthritis, diabetes and alcoholism are some of the other conditions that may cause the foot muscles to weaken. Wearing shoes that are too tight, short, or the heels too high can cause hammertoes.

A hammertoe may not hurt when it first starts. After a while, the toe will rub on the top of the shoe and cause pressure on the top of the bent toe. When this happens, a soft corn can form on the top of the joint. There may be swelling and redness at the joint. If a hammertoe becomes rigid, it may hurt to move the toe or it might not move at all. With a rigid hammertoe, a hard corn may form under the ball of the foot. This can be painful too.

When hammertoes first start and are still flexible, the healthcare provider may splint or tape the toe in the right position. Sometimes padding will be used to change where the weight falls when walking on the foot. It also helps to wear shoes with soft, roomy toe boxes. Tight shoes or shoes with high heels should be avoided. Toes and toe joints can be stretched with the fingers toward their normal positions. Exercise the toes by trying to pick up marbles or wadding up a towel on the floor with the toes.

If the hammertoes are rigid and cannot move, a special pad can be used to relieve the pressure on the ball of the foot. Shoes should be worn that have an extra deep toe box. A shoe repair shop can stretch a small pocket in regular shoes to make room for the hammertoe. Extra large loose shoes can be worn to help relieve the pain, but they do not cure the hammertoe. Once the hammertoe is rigid, it cannot go back to the normal position. 

Hammertoe that causes severe pain may need to have surgery on it to remove the deformity.

The best prevention of hammertoes is wearing shoes that fit right. They should be wide enough and the toe box should be high enough to give the foot room to move. High heels over 2 inches should be avoided. If the toe starts to look like a hammertoe, buy shoes that have a high toe box. 
A healthcare provider should be seen anytime there is foot pain. 
Foot pain is not normal no matter how old a person is.

Foot & Ankle Doctors / Foot & Ankle Specialists

 

Drs. Jeff Hurless, Brooke Gifford and Heraj Patel are one of the leading foot and ankle specialty groups in southern California.

 

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Dr. Ragland's highly specialized practice concentrates predominatly on surgical correction of painful embarrassing foot deformities: bunions, hammertoes and corns. 

 

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Footwear: Care For the Pair that Keep You Moving

The most important athletic equipment for runners is comfortable and appropriate footwear. 
Knowing what to look for in a pair of running shoes can help make the selection process easier.

"Many of injuries can be prevented with proper footwear," said Dr. Daniel Fick, associate clinical professor at the University of Iowa College of Medicine."
These days, most shoes provide ample support for the individual's needs.
Thus, a mid-priced shoe is as helpful as the higher-priced shoes.

When selecting new shoes, runners should consider their fitness goals. 
Casual runners can find the support they need in almost any athletic shoe, but endurance runners may want to consider shoes with raised heels, extra gels, and rolled toes - features that provide extra support and reduce the risk of injuries. Endurance runners should consider using two different brands of shoes alternately to decrease the chance of injury.
Two helpful hints before you try on running shoes:

First, trace each foot on a sheet of paper and compare the tracing with the shoe models provided at the store. When the shoe is placed on the paper, the lines should be visible, with little room to spare in the toe area, if the shoe is moved slightly. This indicates that the shoe will comfortably fit the individual's toes.
People often purchase shoes that are too narrow for their feet, and this can cause problems.

Second, be sure to try on both shoes because the shoes, like the feet, are not constructed identically. Manufacturers tend to produce the right and left shoes on different days.
People must not to be afraid to try on larger or smaller sizes. The consumer may feel different pressure points with varying brands, but consistent tightness could indicate the shoe is too small. Last year's size eight could easily equate with this year's size nine. An increase in shoe size is often coupled with an increase in width.

Experience will often tell runners what feels good on their feet and what doesn't.

Remember that the treads of a shoe usually last longer than the padding inside.

The shoe may look sturdy, but if pain is experienced when running, it may be time to go shopping.

If pain persists after a new purchase, talk to your doctor.