What Do Hammertoes Look Like?

Do you have a toe that appears to be bent or curled? You might have a hammertoe. Hammertoes are a foot deformity that causes the middle joint of a toe to bend, making the tip of the toe point down and the middle curl up. This gives the toe a "hammer-like" appearance.

Hammertoe can make usual footwear painful and uncomfortable. If you are experiencing foot pain in Parker, CO, call Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine to book an appointment with a podiatrist. We can discuss what causes hammertoe, how to identify this issue at home, and treatment options such as custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, splinting, and hammertoe surgery.

Understanding hammertoes

The anatomy of your foot is complex, and even minor imbalances can lead to big problems. For example, the muscles and tendons in the toes are responsible for maintaining proper alignment and balance. But if a muscle becomes weak or tight, it can cause the toes to bend and curl in abnormal positions. This is known as a hammertoe.

There are two kinds of hammertoes: flexible and rigid. Flexible hammertoes can still move and straighten out, while rigid hammertoes have stiff joints that cannot be moved. Both types can cause foot pain, but rigid hammertoes may lead to more severe complications.

What causes hammertoe?

So, what causes hammertoe? Several factors can contribute to this issue, including:

• Genetics: Some people have a higher tendency to develop hammertoes from their parents.
• Foot structure: People with high arches or flat feet are prone to developing hammertoes due to the imbalance in muscles and tendons.
• Ill-fitting shoes: Narrow or tight shoes can force the toes into unnatural positions, leading to hammertoe over time.
• Trauma: An injury or trauma to the toe can damage the muscles and tendons, resulting in hammertoe.

Identifying hammertoe

If you suspect that you have hammertoe in Parker, CO, it's important to consult with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis. However, there are some signs that you can look out for at home, including:

• Bent toe: As mentioned earlier, a bent or curled toe is the main characteristic of a hammertoe.
• Foot pain and discomfort: You may experience pain when wearing shoes or walking due to the pressure on the affected toe.
• Corns and calluses: These rough patches of skin develop on top of the bent joint as a result of friction and pressure from shoes.
• Difficulty straightening the toe: In severe cases, you may have difficulty moving or straightening the affected toe.

Treatment for hammertoe

At Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine, our recommended treatment for hammertoe may include:

• Custom orthotics: Shoe inserts can correct imbalances and relieve pressure on the affected toe.
• Anti-inflammatory medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Splinting: A splint may be used to hold the affected toe in a straight position.
• Hammertoe surgery: If these conservative options have failed, surgery may be necessary to realign the joint and release tight tendons.

Treat hammertoe with our help

Hammertoe can be a painful and debilitating condition, but with the right professionals on your side, you can find relief. If you're experiencing foot pain in Parker, CO, contact Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine to see an experienced podiatrist. Whether it's custom orthotics or hammertoe surgery, we'll work with you to create a personalized treatment for hammertoe. Don't let this problem keep you from enjoying your favorite activities — call now.