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When toes become deformed, crooked or contracted, they are called Hammertoes. Daily shoe wear and the improper alignment of bones in the foot are the two major causes of hammertoes. Over the years, toes will contract and buckle due to unequal tension on the bones of the toes. Hammertoes are not painful, but as the contracted knuckle bone of the toe rubs against shoes, the toe joint becomes irritated and inflamed, causing a corn.

Conservative treatment begins with wider shoes and padding to alleviate the symptoms. In most cases, orthotics are prescribed to correct the foot imbalance. Surgical removal of the bone deformity can be offered as an outpatient service, depending on the severity of the condition.

Foot Tip:

See a podiatrist at the first signs of irritation. Early detection can prevent the deformity from becoming severe and corrections can be made by wearing custom orthotics.

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