A Hammertoe develops when the toe joint curls or buckles due to tight tendons or muscle imbalance. Wearing tight shoes and tight pantyhose and socks greatly increase your chances of acquiring a Hammer Toe.
There are two types of Hammer Toes, flexible or rigid.
A Flexible Hammer Toe can be straightened by your fingers. Generally, they are not painful.
A Rigid Hammer Toe cannot be straightened, it is painful and distorts the foot movement considerably. It may also cause extra stress on the ball of the foot causing a callus or corn.
In most cases, the little toe is the most likely to have a Hammer Toe. Your little toes help you with your balance and they are like levers that help push your foot along so you can ambulate. When you ambulate the foot flattens and the little toes bend to grip the ground. With your Podiatrist's help you can have your Hammer Toes treated so you can walk around comfortably.
How to Treat Hammer Toes
In most cases, all you need to do is change the type of shoes you are wearing. You should wear shoes that have a wide toe box, good arch support and they should not put pressure on any surfaces of your feet. Using a pad or splint to hold your toes straight will also help. If you have severe symptoms surgery will probably be needed. What surgery you have will depend on whether your toe joints are flexible or rigid.
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