Hammer Toe Specialist

What is Hammertoe?

Hammertoe is a condition in which a misaligned toe curls downward at the middle joint instead of lying flat. The toe is shaped like a hammer – hence the name.

Usually, hammertoe affects the second, third, or fourth toe and develops due to improper footwear, particularly shoes that crowd the toes and restrict movement. We recommend shoes that provide ample room for your toes to spread and flex. Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes can force the toes into a bent position, which may eventually lead to hammertoe.

With hammertoe, the muscles and connective tissues in your toes can become imbalanced and "forget" how to stretch properly. Other causes of hammertoe include genetic predisposition, arthritis, nerve damage, diabetes, and foot injuries. If left untreated, hammertoe can become increasingly rigid and painful.

Biomechanics of Hammertoe Formation

There are several theories that describe how hammertoes form.

• Flexor Substitution: When the major muscle responsible for flexing the toes (the flexor digitorum longus) overcompensate for weakened muscles in the foot, they cause the toes to curl abnormally. This often happens in people with high-arched feet or those who have lost strength in their foot muscles.

• Extensor Substitution: In this case, the major muscle responsible for lifting the toes (the extensor digitorum longus) work harder than usual, pulling the toes upward. This contributes to the toe extending into the shoe causing pain towards the top of the toe knuckles.

• Flexor Stabilization: This occurs when the toe flexor muscles overpower the weaker foot muscles, leading to an abnormal pull on the toes. This is common in people with flat feet, where the foot's arch lacks proper support, causing muscle imbalance.

Understanding these biomechanical factors helps in identifying the underlying cause of hammertoe and guiding appropriate treatment strategies.

How Do I Know I Have Hammertoe?

If your toe appears to be permanently bent in the shape of a hammer, you likely have hammertoe. Early in the condition's development, the toe remains flexible, meaning you can still move it at the joint and straighten it. Over time, the toe can become rigid and immovable at the joint, making it more difficult to wear shoes comfortably.

Symptoms of hammertoe include:

• Redness, swelling, and pain in the affected toe

• Difficulty moving the toe at the joint

• Corns or calluses forming where the toe rubs against shoes

• Pain in the ball of the foot due to pressure from the bent toe

• Increased discomfort when wearing shoes, particularly tight or narrow ones

At Albuquerque Associated Podiatrists, our experienced doctors can diagnose and treat hammertoe effectively. If you notice changes in the appearance or alignment of your toes, it’s best to seek professional care early. Early intervention provides the best chances for successful treatment and symptom relief.

How is Hammertoe Treated?

Conservative Treatment

In its early stages, hammertoe responds well to non-surgical treatments aimed at relieving pain and improving toe alignment. Our podiatrists may recommend:

• Wearing comfortable, supportive, and wide-toe box shoes

• Custom-made orthotics (shoe inserts) to distribute pressure evenly across the foot

• Using cushions, pads, or toe splints to relieve friction and pressure

• Filing down corns and calluses to reduce irritation and discomfort

• Medications or topical treatments to reduce pain and inflammation

These treatments are most effective when the toe is still flexible. By addressing the issue early, you can improve foot alignment, reduce pain, and prevent the hammertoe from worsening.

Surgical Treatment

If hammertoe becomes rigid, significantly painful, or does not respond to conservative treatments, surgical intervention may be necessary. At Albuquerque Associated Podiatrists, our skilled podiatrists offer outpatient surgical procedures to correct hammertoe.

Surgical options may include:

• Tendon release or lengthening to restore flexibility and straighten the toe

• Bone work (arthroplasty or arthrodesis) in certain cases to straighten the toe permanently

These procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the type of procedure and wishes of the patient. These are very common surgeries performed by our podiatrists. After surgery, you may need to limit activities for a few weeks to ensure proper healing.

When to Seek Treatment

If you experience pain, difficulty walking, or a change in the appearance of your toes, consider calling us for an appointment.

Don’t let persistent foot pain prevent you from living your best life. Call the office at (505)247-4164 or clicking the online booking tool. We are available for same-day appointments in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.