What Is a Hammertoe?

A hammertoe is a deformity that is the result of a contracture of the joint or joints of the lesser digits of the foot. This contracture can put unwanted pressure on the toes and the foot causing pain especially when wearing shoe gear.

Hammertoes are a progressive deformity as they get worse over time. In the beginning stages, a hammertoe can be a flexible deformity and all the symptoms that may arise in most cases can be managed with conservative treatment. However as the deformity progresses it will decrease in flexibility become more and more rigid. At this point conservative treatment may not relieve any symptoms associated with this deformity.

Symptoms: Hammertoes can cause a variety of symptoms that include pain and or irritation of the toe or toes especially when ambulating and wearing shoe gear. Also, constant friction and pressure on the toes as well as the foot can result in the build up of corns and calluses on the top of the toes, in between the toes, or on the distal tip of the toes and on the bottom of the foot.