Hammertoe is a common foot deformity that occurs when your toe bends or curls downward instead of pointing forward and may seem like a minor concern at first. The reality, though, is that hammertoe can lead to significant discomfort, pain, and complications over time.
Our expert team at Manhattan Podiatry Associates, with locations in Midtown and Downtown New York City, diagnoses and treats hammertoe, and we know that the sooner you get started with treatment, the better the outcome.
Read on to learn more about hammertoe and why early treatment is so important.
You might suspect you have hammertoe — or at least the start of one — if your second toe tips downward and creates a claw-like appearance. While your second toe is the most commonly affected, other toes can also be affected.
Your Manhattan Podiatry Associates provider can confirm you have hammertoe through:
They also confirm whether you have a rigid hammertoe (where you can no longer move the joint) or a flexible hammertoe (where your toe is still flexible).
Early treatment refers to addressing your hammertoe while it’s still considered flexible. Early treatment can:
In the early stages, hammertoe is usually flexible, so it's likely you can still move your toe. However, over time, your joint may stiffen and become fixed in its bent position, making treatment more difficult.
If stiffness becomes permanent, surgical intervention may be your only option for relief.
Hammertoe can impact your daily life, especially if left untreated. It may cause you to limit your activities due to pain or avoid certain types of footwear. If you can’t walk — let alone exercise — you may miss out on the mental and physical benefits of exercise. This can ripple into other complications from leading a sedentary lifestyle.
Early intervention can improve your ability to walk comfortably, enjoy physical activities, and wear shoes without pain or pressure — all of which support a good quality of life.
There’s no denying that hammertoe hurts! Your curled toe often rubs against the inside of your shoe and can lead to calluses, corns, and painful sores. Many people also feel tenderness under the ball of their foot.
Delaying treatment only prolongs your discomfort. The sooner you get started with treatment, the sooner you can feel better.
In the initial stages of hammertoe, treatment may be as simple as changing your footwear. Supportive, roomy shoes with a big toe box can help alleviate pressure on your toe.
Our team may also recommend custom-made orthotic inserts. Orthotics are designed based on your unique anatomy and can provide extra support and help align your foot.
In addition to shoe changes and orthotics, other early hammertoe treatments include:
Foot exercises are an important part of hammertoe treatment. Hammertoe often results in a combination of weak intrinsic muscles and stronger extrinsic muscles that surround your metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJ). Toe-strengthening exercises can help correct this imbalance.
In some cases, you might benefit from several of these treatments at once. For example, physical therapy can help increase flexibility and strengthen your muscles while changing your shoes helps give your toes space to stretch out properly.
Reach out as soon as you notice the first sign of an issue with your toes! If you notice persistent pain, swelling, or visible changes in the shape of your toe, schedule an evaluation today by calling the Manhattan Podiatry Associates location of your choice or book an appointment online and explore the hammertoe treatment that’s right for you.
