Providing quality foot and ankle care with two office locations to serve you
Hammertoe
What is A Hammertoe
Hammertoe is contracture deformity of second, third, fourth or fifth toe. The contracture can occur at either of the 2 joints in the toe. The deformity usually starts out as a mild, flexible deformity but can progressively worsen overtime to a more rigid deformity. This contracture can then lead to contracture at the joint between the toe and the metatarsal located at the ball of the foot, which can result in subluxation/dislocation of the toe in severe cases.
Causes
The most common cause of a hammertoe is a muscle/tendon imbalance. This imbalance results from mechanical/structural or neurologic changes in the foot that occur over time.
Hammertoes can be aggravated by ill-fitting shoes. A hammertoe can also result from trauma while some people inherited the hammertoe.
Symptoms
- Contracture of the toe
- Pain or irritation of the affected toe
- Corns and calluses
- Inflammation, redness or burning sensation
- Open wounds in severe cases
- Pain under the ball of the foot
Diagnosis
A thorough physical examination of the foot is important in diagnosis especially to evaluate the severity of the hammertoe. X-rays and other advance imaging can be helpful in determining extend of the contracture.
Treatment
Non-surgical
- Padding corns and calluses
- Changes in shoegear
- Orthotics
- Medications
- Steroid injection
Surgical
Usually reserved for more severe, rigid cases or in cases where a persistent corn/calluses or wound is present which has failed conservative treatment. Surgery involves reducing the fracture by removing some bone in the joint. Sometimes, a fusion of the joint/joints in the toes which are contracture can be done.