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Hammer Toe Treatment

Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments of Hammer Toe

Hammer toe is a common foot deformity that affects both children and adults. This condition occurs when one or more toes bend abnormally due to muscle or tendon imbalances, causing the affected toe to curl downward or under an adjacent toe. Often referred to as a deformed toe, hammer toe can develop over time due to various factors, including ill-fitting footwear, injury, or genetic predisposition.

While hammer toe may initially appear as a cosmetic issue, it can lead to significant discomfort and other complications if left untreated. Early intervention is crucial for effective hammer toe treatment, whether through non-surgical methods like a foot finger straightener or more advanced options such as toe straightening surgery.

A foot with a Heel Pain condition

Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment of Hammer Toe

What is a Hammer Toe?
Hammer toe, also known as curly toe, is a condition where a tendon contracture in the foot pulls on one or more toes, causing them to curl or point downward rather than aligning straight. This deformity can affect any of the small toes, most commonly the second toe. The condition can be flexible in the early stages, where the toe can still be straightened manually, or it can become rigid, making it difficult to move the toe.

What Are the Symptoms of Hammer Toe?
The primary symptom of hammer toe is the visible curling or downward pointing of the toe, making it appear deformed. Other symptoms that may develop over time include:

→ Difficulty Wearing Shoes
As the toe becomes more rigid, finding well-fitting shoes may become challenging due to the pressure on the curled toe.
→ Corn and Callus Formation
The abnormal position of the toe can lead to friction against footwear, causing corns or calluses to form, particularly on the top of the affected toe or the ball of the foot.
→ Impaired Foot Function
In severe cases, the deformed toe may interfere with normal walking patterns, affecting balance and flexibility, leading to overall foot pain.

Will Hammer Toe Go Away on Its Own?
Unfortunately, hammer toe does not resolve on its own. The condition tends to worsen over time if left untreated. The bones and connective tissues in the affected toe become less flexible, making the deformity more difficult to correct. This can result in permanent changes to the shape of the toe, making it increasingly challenging to walk without discomfort.

Early intervention is essential for successful hammer toe treatment. By addressing the issue early, it’s possible to correct the deformity and prevent further complications as the condition progresses.

Hammer Toe Treatment
Effective hammer toe treatment often involves a combination of non-surgical and surgical methods, depending on the severity of the deformity. One common procedure is the flexor tenotomy, a simple in-office treatment that corrects the condition by releasing the tendon causing the toe to curl.

Flexor Tenotomy: This minimally invasive procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. The procedure involves numbing the toe and then making a small incision to release the contracted tendon, allowing the toe to straighten. The results are immediate, restoring normal toe function and appearance.

For mild cases of hammer toe, non-surgical treatments such as toe splints or custom orthotics may be recommended to help realign the toe over time. These options are often used in conjunction with proper footwear to prevent further progression of the deformity.

Common Causes of Hammer Toe
Hammer toe can develop due to several factors, including:

→ Muscle Imbalance
An imbalance between the muscles and tendons in the foot can lead to the abnormal bending of the toe.
→ Injury
Trauma or injury to the foot can disrupt the balance of tendons and ligaments, leading to the development of hammer toe.
→ Improper Footwear
Shoes that are too tight, narrow, or ill-fitting can force the toes into unnatural positions, contributing to the development of hammer toe.
→ Neurological Conditions
Conditions like cerebral palsy or other neurological disorders can affect muscle tone and lead to deformities such as hammer toe.
→ Genetic Predisposition
A family history of foot deformities can increase the likelihood of developing hammer toe.
→ Obesity
Excess weight can put additional pressure on the feet, exacerbating existing foot problems.

Hammer Toe Treatment Options

When it comes to treating hammer toe, the approach varies depending on the severity of the condition. Here are the common treatment options:

Non-Surgical Hammer Toe Treatment

  1. Foot Finger Straightener: A foot finger straightener or toe splint can help realign the toe by gently stretching and repositioning it over time. This non-invasive treatment is most effective in the early stages of hammer toe when the toe is still flexible.
  2. Custom Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts can provide additional support and correct the alignment of the toes, reducing discomfort and preventing further deformity.
  3. Proper Footwear: Wearing well-fitting shoes with a wide toe box can alleviate pressure on the affected toes and prevent worsening of the deformity.
  4. Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises may be recommended by a foot specialist to improve muscle balance and prevent the progression of hammer toe.

Surgical Hammer Toe Treatment
In more severe cases where non-surgical methods are ineffective, hammer toe surgery may
be required to correct the deformity. Surgical options include:

  1. Flexor Tenotomy: As mentioned earlier, this minimally invasive procedure releases the tight tendon, allowing the toe to straighten. It’s a quick and effective solution for hammer toe.
  2. Toe Straightening Surgery: For more rigid or complex cases, toe straightening surgery may involve cutting and realigning the bones, tendons, and ligaments to restore normal toe function.
  3. Combined Hammer Toe and Bunion Surgery: If the patient also has a bunion, a combined procedure can be performed to correct both deformities simultaneously, reducing recovery time and improving overall foot function.
The Importance of Early Hammer Toe Treatment

Early intervention is critical when dealing with hammer toe. Untreated hammer toe can lead to more severe deformities, making treatment more challenging and invasive. Addressing the issue early, with either non-surgical treatments or a simple toe straightening surgery, can prevent long-term complications and ensure proper foot function.

Consulting with a foot specialist experienced in hammer toe treatment is essential for determining the best course of action. A specialist can provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to the patient’s specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Hammer Toe FAQs

What causes hammer toes?

Hammer toes are often caused by muscle imbalance, ligament laxity, improper footwear, obesity, or conditions like cerebral palsy. There may also be a genetic predisposition.

At what ages do hammer toes occur?

Hammer toes generally develop over time and can occur at any age. They are more common in adults due to the cumulative effects of wearing improper footwear and other factors, but they can also be present in children, particularly if there is a family history of foot deformities.

What problems can hammer toes cause?

If left untreated, hammer toes can lead to corns, calluses, hammer toe pain, and difficulty finding well-fitting shoes. Over time, stress on the toe joints can cause arthritis and other foot complications. Flexibility and balance may also be affected.

How are hammer toes treated?

Non-surgical hammer toe treatment includes wearing shoes with a wide toe box, taping the toe, or using splints to straighten the toe. For more severe cases, hammer toe surgery may be required to correct tendons and release joints.

Can hammer toes be prevented?

Wearing properly sized shoes and avoiding narrow, pointed styles is the best prevention. Early treatment of conditions like cerebral palsy may also help. However, in some cases, hammer toes may arise spontaneously and require medical intervention.

Conclusion

Hammer toe is a common foot deformity that can lead to significant discomfort and complications if left untreated. Early hammer toe treatment is essential to correct the deformity and prevent long-term issues. Whether through non-surgical methods like a foot finger straightener or more advanced options like toe straightening surgery, addressing the problem early can ensure proper foot function and prevent future pain.

If you or your child is experiencing symptoms of hammer toe, it’s important to seek expert care. Dr. Chandan Narang, a specialist in foot and ankle treatments, including hammer toe and Achilles tendinitis, offers comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs. With his extensive experience and dedication to patient outcomes, Dr. Narang is well-equipped to guide you through the treatment process. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Chandan Narang today to explore your treatment options and achieve the best possible results for hammer toe and other foot-related conditions.