Understanding Hammer Toes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment at The Body Lab
What are Hammer Toes?
Hammertoes, a common foot deformity, affect approximately 3% of adults over the age of 21, with women being more frequently affected than men. This condition primarily involves the second, third, or fourth toe, where the middle joint bends, giving the toe a hammer-like appearance. While hammertoes may seem like a minor inconvenience at first, they can progress into a painful and debilitating issue if left untreated. The good news? With the right treatment, you can find relief and restore your foot’s function.
At The Body Lab, we focus on addressing not only the immediate symptoms but also the underlying causes of hammertoes. Our holistic approach to foot health ensures that you receive long-lasting relief.
What Causes Hammertoes?
Hammertoes occur when the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the toes become imbalanced, causing the toe to bend unnaturally. This imbalance can develop due to several factors:
• Improper Footwear: Shoes that are too tight or high heels that push the toes forward can contribute to hammertoe development.
• Foot Structure: If you have flat feet, high arches, or an unusually long second toe, you’re at a higher risk for developing hammertoes.
• Injury or Trauma: Toe injuries, broken toes, or repeated trauma to the foot can lead to muscle imbalances, increasing the likelihood of hammertoes.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and nerve disorders can weaken the muscles and tendons, making the toes more susceptible to deformities like hammertoes.
• Age and Gender: Hammertoes are more common in individuals aged 50 and above and affect women more frequently due to footwear choices like high heels.
Types of Hammertoes
The Mallet Toe, mostly commonly seen in the 2nd and 3rd toes and makes the joint at the end of the toe buckles. This sometimes causes blisters to form underneath the nail bed.
The Claw toe, as the name implies, the two toes joints bend in a claw fashion and the top joint may rub against your shoes causing callouses.
The Hammer Toe, mostly commonly seen in the 2nd toe which makes the toe bend at the first joint. This may cause corns to develop as shoes can rub and place pressure as it rubs on the top joint.
The Importance of Foot Anatomy in Hammertoe Development
Understanding the anatomy of the foot is key to understanding why hammertoes develop. The foot is made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When there is an imbalance in any of these structures, particularly in the muscles and tendons of the toes, it can lead to deformities like hammertoes. For instance, a misaligned joint or weakened tendon can cause the toe to bend, ultimately leading to discomfort, pain, and a distorted shape.
Symptoms to Watch For
Pain on the top of the toe, which may worsen with pressure or shoe rubbing.
Redness and swelling of the toe joint.
Rigidity of the toe or painful motion of the toe joint.
Formation of corns or calluses on top of the joint.
Pain on the tip of the affected toe.
Difficulty walking.
With severe hammertoes, open sores may form on top or at the tip of the affected toe.
Treatment Options for Hammertoes at The Body Lab
The good news is that most cases of hammertoes can be treated without surgery, especially if caught early. At The Body Lab, we take a holistic approach to hammertoe treatment, addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes. Here’s how we can help:
• Comprehensive Assessment: We begin by evaluating your foot’s alignment, muscle strength, and joint mobility. We also assess your knees and lower limbs, as hammertoes often result from broader movement issues.
• Footwear Adjustments: One of the easiest ways to alleviate hammertoe pain is by adjusting your footwear. We’ll guide you in selecting shoes with a wide toe box and proper arch support to reduce pressure on the toes.
• Orthotics: Custom orthotics may be recommended to help correct imbalances and reduce pressure on the affected toe. These devices can help realign your foot, providing relief from pain and preventing the condition from worsening.
• Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the muscles in your toes and feet can improve flexibility and restore function. We’ll guide you through exercises that target the root cause of hammertoes, ensuring long-term relief.
• Taping and Splinting: In milder cases, taping or splinting the toe can help reposition it and alleviate discomfort.
• In Severe Cases: If the hammertoe has become rigid and painful, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgery realigns the toe and corrects any structural issues that contribute to the deformity.
Prevention is Key
Prevention plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy feet and preventing hammertoes from developing or progressing. Here are some proactive steps you can take:
Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes with a wide toe box, low heels, and good arch support to reduce strain on the toes.
Stretch and Strengthen: Regular foot exercises can keep your muscles balanced and flexible, preventing imbalances that can lead to hammertoes.
Monitor Foot Health: Regularly check your feet for any signs of hammertoes or other foot issues. The earlier a problem is identified, the easier it is to treat.
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Ready for Relief? Contact The Body Lab Today
If you’re struggling with hammertoes or experiencing any foot discomfort, now is the time to take action. At The Body Lab, our expert team will create a personalized treatment plan to help you regain comfort and mobility. Don’t let hammertoes limit your quality of life—book a free consultation with our therapists and take the first step toward pain-free living.
References:
Winell JJ, Davidson RS. The foot and toes. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 694.
Murphy AG. Lesser toe abnormalities. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 84.
Montero DP, Shi GG. Hammer toe. In: Frontera WR, Silver JK, Rizzo TD Jr, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 88.