
Hammer, claw, and mallet toes are toe deformities that affect the joints and can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty in walking. A hammertoe bends at the middle joint, a mallet toe affects the joint closest to the tip, and a claw toe involves abnormal bending at both the middle and end joints, often pointing downward. These conditions may be caused by wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, muscle imbalances, arthritis, trauma, or a genetic predisposition. Symptoms include curled or bent toes, pain while wearing shoes, corns or calluses on the tops or tips of toes, in addition to redness, swelling, and restricted movement. The affected toes may appear misshapen and feel stiff or sore, especially during activity. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition with a physical exam and possibly X-rays to assess joint damage or misalignment. Treatment may involve changing footwear, using custom orthotics, toe exercises, or, in more severe cases, surgery to realign the joints. If you have any of the above ailments, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat these conditions.
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Anthony Ricciardi Jr., DPM of Foot & Ankle Specialists of Nevada. Our Doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.
Symptoms
- Painful and/or difficult toe movement
- Swelling
- Joint stiffness
- Calluses/Corns
- Physical deformity
Risk Factors
- Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
- Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
- Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
- Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe
Treatment
If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, Nevada . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.