Hammertoe Causes and Treatment

A hammertoe is a painful deformity where the end of the toe is bent downward from the middle joint, which gives it a hammer-like appearance. Usually this can be treated easily without medical help.

Causes

• Hammertoe is occasionally congenital, however normally it is caused by wearing shoes that are too short and narrow or when children continue to wear shoes that they have outgrown.

Symptoms

• Trouble moving the toe, corns on top of the toe and calluses under the toe are early signs that hammertoe may be developing.

Effects

• Hammertoe is painful and can cause difficulty walking or even just moving your foot.

Treatment

• For a mild case of hammertoe, usually changing your type of shoe and adding the proper style of insert may be all that is needed. Severe cases may require surgery.

Prevention and solution

• Proper-fitting shoes are the easiest way to prevent hammertoe. Avoiding overly high heels and narrow, pointed toe shoes will give you the best chance of avoiding hammertoe. Also check children's shoes often to be sure they still fit properly.