What are hammertoes?
A hammertoe is a toe that bends at the middle joint and stays curled, a bit like a hammer. Over time the bent joint can stiffen and push up against your shoe, creating a painful bony bump on top of the toe — often with a corn on it.
In the early stages the toe may still straighten by hand. Getting help sooner gives you more ways to keep it comfortable.
Common causes
Hammertoes are usually caused by:
- Family history
- Shoes that don't fit, especially tight or short ones
- An imbalance in the muscles or in how the foot moves
- Arthritis
What you can do at home
To ease pain and pressure at home:
- Wear supportive shoes with a deep, roomy toe area.
- Apply a cold compress if the toe is sore or swollen.
- Soak your foot in lukewarm water to relieve pain.
- Avoid shoes that squeeze or press on the top of the toes.
How a podiatrist helps
We'll find out why the toe is bending and what will bring relief. Dr. Rosenfeld can:
- Examine your foot
- Arrange X-rays or other scans through your family doctor (G.P.)
- Trim painful corns and pad the toe
- Recommend a store-bought arch support or prescribe custom orthotics
- Perform surgery when it's the right choice