Hammer toes, claw toes, or mallet toes are all results of the toes getting bent into odd positions. They usually look odd and can be painful and often affect the smaller toes. When the toe is bent downward and the middle joint raises up, it is known as a hammertoe. Hammertoes normally happen when bunions occur, and they most often affect the second toe.  Claw toes occur when the toes curl up because the middle joints are bent down, and they often affect the four smaller toes at the same time. When the joint closest to the tip of the toe bends downward, it forms a mallet toe. Wearing shoes that are too tight is the most common cause of these conditions, but they can also be linked to diabetes or arthritis. These toe conditions are usually painful and can cause other foot problems, like calluses. If you are struggling with one of these deformities, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist who can offer treatment options and determine if surgery is necessary. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Princeton, Peru, and Mendota, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.