Why Did I Develop Hammertoe?
May 02, 2024
Foot health is integral to your overall well-being. Issues with your feet make engaging in daily activities challenging and lower your quality of life. Hammertoe is often regarded as nothing more than a cosmetic issue. However, it’s a foot condition that usually signifies a problem with the structure of your feet, and can affect how they function.
We take hammertoe deformities seriously at South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, in San Antonio and Kerrville, Texas. Our expert team of podiatrists treats the condition with the same care and attention to detail as they would other seemingly more severe foot conditions.
Read on as we detail the most common causes of hammertoe, its symptoms, and how to keep it from disrupting your life.
Hammertoe is a deformity that causes one of your toes to bend at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like or claw-like appearance. This condition typically affects the second, third, or fourth toes, and can occur in one or both feet.
Having a hammertoe can be challenging, affecting everything from the type of shoes you can wear to the kind of physical activities you can engage in. In addition to the corns and calluses that form on the toe, common symptoms of a hammertoe include pain and irritation when you wear shoes and inflammation.
Hammertoe usually begins as a mild problem, wherein the bent toe remains flexible. Over time — especially without treatment — the affected toe may lose its ability to straighten out, leading to less flexibility, more persistent rigidity, increased pain, and significant mobility issues.
Hammertoe is typically caused by a problem with the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that hold your toe straight. Some of the most common factors that cause this problem include:
Shoes that don't fit properly, especially those with narrow toe boxes or high heels, can force your toes into a bent position. Over time, this can alter the muscles and tendons in your feet, increasing your risk of developing hammertoe.
Genes can also play a role in hammertoe deformities. Hereditary factors determine your foot structure and likelihood of developing foot problems. If you have a parent or grandparent with hammertoe, you may be at a higher risk of developing the same foot problem.
Diseases that affect nerve or muscle function can prevent your toes from staying straight, leading to hammertoe. If you’ve been diagnosed with conditions such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) or arthritis, it’s crucial to pay extra attention to your foot health to prevent such deformities.
Injuries to your toes, such as fractures or jamming them against a hard surface, can make them more susceptible to developing a hammertoe deformity. Similarly, sports or jobs that put repeated pressure on your toes can contribute to the condition.
At South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, we take a comprehensive approach to hammertoe treatment that may include conservative treatments like shoe inserts or pads, orthotics, and physical therapy for mild cases, or surgical correction in severe cases.
To prevent hammertoe, it’s important to be mindful of the types of shoes you wear and pay attention to your foot care. When buying shoes, opt for shoes with enough room for your toes and minimize how often you wear high heels.
Recognizing symptoms of foot problems at the onset allows for early intervention, which saves you from complications. Toe-strengthening exercises, as recommended by our team, also help you maintain optimal foot health.
Don’t let a hammertoe deformity hamper your comfort or lifestyle. At the first signs of this common foot problem, contact our team — we can prevent its progression and help you avoid more invasive treatments like surgery. Call or click online to schedule a visit at South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, today.