Hammertoes are a type of foot deformity that happens when one (or several) toe joints are flexed/bent in an atypical position. It's essential to address hammertoes as early as possible, as this helps prevent them from degenerating further and causing pain or other uncomfortable symptoms. If you live or work in Springfield, Decatur, Shelbyville, and Carlinville, IL, and have hammertoes that have begun to impact your ability to move comfortably, contact Dr. John Sigle, Dr. Grant Gonzalez, or Dr. Zachary Janes of the Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois for help with its cause and symptoms.
What Causes Hammertoes?
Hammertoes typically impact the second, third, fourth, or fifth toe. Common causes of hammertoes include -
A Muscle Imbalance
An imbalance in the muscle that controls the impacted toe is often a common cause of a hammertoe, as this imbalance pulls or curls the toe in an abnormal position.
Foot Structure/Genetics
A foot structure or shape – like flat feet or high arches, may predispose someone to the development of a hammertoe. In addition, hammertoes tend to run in families.
Toe Trauma or Injury
An injury or toe trauma, like stubbing a toe, can cause toe joint damage that leads to hammertoe development.
Age
Ligaments and tendons tend to become inflexible as a function of the aging process. This makes age a common contributing factor of hammertoes.
Arthritis
Specific types of arthritis – i.e., rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis- can impact the toe joints and cause inflammation, eventually developing into a hammertoe deformity.
Nerve Damage
Neuropathy, a.k.a. nerve damage, is a common condition that is often related to diabetes. Nerve damage has the potential to impact the tendons and muscles in the feet, causing an imbalance and ultimately a contributing cause of hammertoe formation.
Ill-Fitting Footwear
Shoes that are too narrow or those with high heels (footwear that compress the toes unnaturally) increase the likelihood of developing hammertoes.
Treating Hammertoes
Conservative treatment options may include the following –
- Comfortable shoes
- Orthotic devices/inserts
- Toe exercises
- Toe splints or cushions to help straighten impacted toes.
When conservative interventions fail to provide the desired relief, surgery may be necessary to reposition the impacted toe joints and alleviate pain or discomfort.
Contact a Leading Podiatrist Today
If you suspect you have hammertoes or are experiencing foot pain or discomfort, contact Dr. Sigle, Dr. Gonzalez, Dr. Janes, or a member of the Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois in Springfield, Decatur, Shelbyville, and Carlinville, IL at (217) 787-2700.