Don’t Let Hammertoes Dampen Your Holidays

With Black Friday behind us, the holiday shopping season has officially kicked off. Do you ever find yourself kicking off your shoes as soon as you get home because your toes are causing you pain? The pain might be from improperly fitting shoes or toenails that are too long. However, it may also be from hammertoes. Are you scratching your head yet wondering what a hammertoe is? Let’s take a closer look.

Hammertoes are one of the most common deformities affecting the lesser four toes. A hammertoe occurs when the bone in the toe connecting to the foot (proximal phalanx) bends upwards, causing the toe to elevate at the joint where it connects to the middle phalanx (proximal interphalangeal joint). Typical signs include corns (small calluses) on top of the proximal interphalangeal joint and a callus underneath the metatarsal head where the toe connects to the rest of the foot. Causes range from tight shoes or stockings to biomechanical abnormalities arising from a long second toe or muscle imbalances. They affect a single toe or multiple toes, and may become very painful if left untreated.

Conservative treatments for the symptoms caused by hammertoes include the use of anti-inflammatory medications and sometimes corticosteroid injections depending on the level of pain. Corn pads, budin splints, tubing and toe spacers may also be used to minimize rubbing. As with any treatment, it’s important to address the cause to prevent the hammertoe from progressing. Shoes worn when you’re on your feet the most should be assessed for proper fit. Custom molded orthotics may also be necessary to assist your foot in maintaining correct biomechanical function. Severe hammertoe deformities are often corrected via a minor outpatient surgical procedure prior to utilization of orthotic devices.

If you suspect you might have hammertoes, it is important to consult your podiatrist prior to buying any over-the-counter devices. There are numerous splint types and shoe inserts on the market, and they don’t all work for everyone. Podiatrists are trained to determine the type of modifications necessary according to the degree of hammertoe deformity. If you’re certain you have hammertoes or think they might be starting to develop, come on in for a consult. We’ll provide the umbrella of care necessary to prevent them from putting a damper on your holiday season.