A toe that bends at the middle joint instead of lying flat is a sign of a hammertoe. Allyson Otten, DPM, at Kettle Moraine Podiatry in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, treats hammertoes for patients throughout Ozaukee County. Dr. Otten evaluates the cause of your hammertoe, recommends treatment options that match the severity of your case, and helps you find lasting relief. Call today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about hammertoe care.

What are hammertoes?

A hammertoe is a deformity that causes one of your smaller toes to bend downward at the middle joint, giving it a claw-like or hammer-like appearance. The condition usually affects the second, third, or fourth toe and develops when the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that hold the toe straight fall out of balance.

In the early stages, you can still straighten the toe manually because the joint remains flexible. Over time, the joint stiffens, and the toe stays locked in its bent position. Catching a hammertoe early gives Dr. Otten more treatment options to work with.

What causes hammertoes?

Several factors can throw off the balance of muscles and tendons in your toes. Common causes include:

• Wearing shoes that are too tight, too narrow, or too high in the heel
• Underlying foot mechanics, such as fallen arches or unusually high arches
• Bunions that crowd the smaller toes out of position
• Toe injuries that disrupt the joint
• Arthritis affecting the toe joints
• Genetics, which can predispose you to certain foot deformities
• Diabetes and nerve conditions that affect foot mechanics

Women develop hammertoes more often than men, largely because of footwear choices that push the toes into a bent position over time.

What are the symptoms of hammertoes?

Hammertoe symptoms tend to creep in slowly and become more obvious as your toe stiffens. You might notice:

• A toe that bends downward at the middle joint
• Pain or discomfort when you wear shoes
• Thickened skin or rough spots forming where your toe rubs against your shoe
• Swelling or redness around the joint
• Difficulty moving the toe through its full range of motion
• Open sores in severe cases

Pain often gets worse with tight footwear or extended periods of standing and walking.

How do podiatrists treat hammertoes?

Treatment depends on whether your hammertoe is still flexible or has become rigid. Dr. Otten often starts with conservative options, including:

• Roomier footwear with a deeper toe box
• Custom orthotics to support proper foot alignment
• Padding or splinting to relieve pressure
• Toe exercises to maintain flexibility
• Trimming corns and calluses

Rigid hammertoes or cases that don’t respond to conservative care may need surgical correction. Dr. Otten walks you through what each option involves so you can make an informed decision. 

Call Kettle Moraine Podiatry today or book online to schedule your hammertoe appointment.