Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot condition that affects tendons in the toes and joints, making them feel tight and painful, and causing them to appear deformed.

What is a hammertoe?

Hammertoe syndrome is a broad term employed to define symptoms and changes concerning the toes. Hammertoes usually include the second toe; however, more than one toe can be impacted. When a joint on a toe, typically the toe adjacent to the big toe or the little toe points up rather than straight, there may be an indication of hammertoe.

The condition is a malformation that occurs when a muscle in the toe becomes weak, putting stress on the tendons and joints. This tension can cause the toe to grow disfigured and to point upward at the joint.

There is often a painful corn or a callus on top of the affected toe.

There are two types of hammertoe:

Flexible hammertoes – In the development stage, the afflicted toes are still pliable and can still be moved at the joint.

Rigid hammertoes – As the problem progresses, the condition becomes more serious. As the tendons tighten, the joints become misaligned and fixed, and difficult to move.

Why is hammertoe painful?

Hammertoes are caused by irregular muscle tension in the toes, which results in increased tendon and joint pressure on the foot. Type of shoes, genetic bias, an underlying medical condition, or any combination of these could make it possible for hammertoe to manifest.

Poor-fitting shoes – Narrow, ill-fitting shoes, especially high heels, provide almost no arch support, putting undue pressure on the toes and joints. As a result, there are more instances of hammertoes found in women than men. The condition will only get worse if the shoes are not adjusted correctly, or better yet replaced with flat, broad toed shoes.