Hammer Toe
What is a hammertoe?
A hammertoe is a deformity of one of the lesser toes, causing “curling” of the toe. This can lead to pain at the prominent knuckle joint at the top of the toe, or it can cause pain at the tip of the toe, sometimes with callusing and/or nail thickening. Sometimes a hammertoe is also called a claw toe or a mallet toe.
Should I worry about a hammertoe?
A hammertoe by itself is not worrisome, but if your shoe wear or activities cause pain, typically from your shoe rubbing against the toe, it can limit your ability to walk or exercise.
What can I do about a hammertoe?
The best advice is to wear shoes that are roomy enough at the toes (a roomy “toe box”) to decrease painful rubbing against the toe. There are many straps and cushioning devices that can potentially help to increase your comfort, but they will not result in any lasting change in your toe’s alignment.
Will a hammertoe get worse over time?
The hammertoe deformity will get worse over time, but typically only very slowly. If your shoes or activities are constantly causing pain at your hammertoe, you may feel that your symptoms are getting worse, even if the hammertoe deformity does not actually increase.
When should I have hammertoe surgery?
Hammertoe surgery is worthwhile when your pain is severe and is limiting your daily activities, and you feel that shoes, modified activities, and other nonsurgical treatments will not result in improvement.
What does hammertoe surgery involve?
For severe hammertoes, the toe is straightened by removing a small amount of bone from the prominent knuckle joint, lengthening and/or releasing tendons that are responsible for deforming the toe, and pinning the toe straight for 6 weeks. During the first 6 weeks after surgery, you will not be allowed to put weight on your foot, including walking. The pin is removed in the office at that time.
For mild or “flexible” hammertoes, a less invasive procedure, involving a tendon release, can often relieve the hammertoe related pain. For this type of procedure, there are minimal activity restrictions placed on you after surgery.
Are there downsides to having hammertoe surgery?
If you are having severe pain and the hammertoe is causing difficulty with walking, there are very little downsides to having surgery, other than the activity and weightbearing restrictions after surgery. You will lose the ability to bend the individual joints in your toe after this type of surgery, but this does not affect your ability to walk.
What’s the bottom line?
If it’s bothering you, the best thing is to come in and have it checked out in-person, since every toe is different and everyone deserves a personalized treatment plan.
