What are hammer toes?
Hammer toes are toes that show an abnormal curvature, where the middle joint is raised and the toe takes on a “hammer-like” shape. This often results from muscle or tendon imbalances, hereditary predisposition, ill-fitting footwear or prolonged pressure on the toes.
Complaints
Hammer toes can lead to:
- Pain or pressure on the tips or sides of the toes
- Calluses or corns caused by friction in shoes
- Difficulty with well-fitting shoes
- Reduced flexibility or stiffness of the toes
What can a podiatrist do?
A podiatrist examines the position of the toes and assesses the load during walking. Treatment options may include:
- Advice on shoes with enough room for the toes
- Orthoses or toe pieces to relieve the toe and support it correctly
- Treatment of calluses, corns or other skin problems
- Exercises to improve muscle balance and mobility of the toes
Recovery
Recovery focuses on pain reduction, preventing further curvature and improving walking comfort. By relieving pressure, providing proper support and doing exercises, symptoms can decrease and the functionality of the toes can be preserved as much as possible.