A hammertoe is a contracture or bending of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes. This abnormal position of the toes can create pressure points associated with wearing shoes. Common symptoms of hammertoes include:
- Pain or irritation associated with wearing shoes
- Corns that develop on the top, side, or end of the toes (corns are caused by friction or irritation from surrounding footgear or adjacent toes)
- Calluses can also develop on the ball of the foot as the fat pad is displaced due to the contracture of the toes
Even without corns and calluses, hammertoes can lead to discomfort due to dislocation of the contracted joints. Hammertoes are a progressive deformity generally starting with only mild changes in position with gradual progression leading to more permanent changes.
Treating a hammertoe has become a simple and often painless procedure with surgical advancements. Also there are many treatment options besides surgery.
Call Northern Foot & Ankle today and set an appointment with one of our board certified podiatrists to review treatment options for your hammertoe. Your feet don’t have to hurt.