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What Causes Hammertoe and What Are My Treatment Options?
A hammertoe is a common condition that occurs when one or more of the middle toe joints stay bent in a hooked or hammer-like position. If your toe can’t lie flat, it’s likely to rub against your socks and shoes, increasing the risk of blisters and other friction injuries. The affected joint can also swell or freeze, making it difficult to stand, walk, and move.
At The Foot Institute in Shreveport and Natchitoches, Louisiana, experienced podiatrist Angelo Morreale, DPM, specializes in diagnosing and treating hammertoes. He takes an integrative, conservative approach that eases pain, restores mobility, and improves quality of life. Read on to learn what causes hammertoes — and discover four treatments that provide relief.
How hammertoes form
Hammertoes form when one or more toes are held in an awkward or abnormal position for extended periods. Over time, this causes the soft tissues in your toes, such as the muscles and tendons, to adjust to the new position and tighten up (constrict). Without treatment, this tightening can worsen, causing your affected toes to curl and remain in a locked position.
Factors that can increase the risk of hammertoe formation include:
- Wearing tight or narrow shoes
- Frequent high heel wear
- Having long toes
- Having high arches or flat feet
- Having a bunion deformity
Other hammertoe risk factors include chronic systemic conditions that frequently affect the feet and toes, like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment options for hammertoes
Hammertoes are painful and can affect your mobility, but there are several effective treatment options. Depending on the severity of your hammertoe, Dr. Morreale may recommend:
1. Wearing different shoes
Many people with hammertoes wear narrow shoes that crowd the toes. This added pressure on the soft tissues in your feet can cause them to tighten and cramp up.
Wearing shoes with wide, deep toe boxes has the opposite effect, allowing your toes to lie flat in a natural, comfortable position. For the best results, only wear shoes that let you wiggle your toes freely. If that isn’t possible, your footwear is probably too tight.
2. Use over-the-counter products
Mild, flexible hammertoe deformities often improve with at-home treatments. For example, over-the-counter (OTC) products, like pads and blister strips, provide a safe, affordable way to cushion hammertoes. Similarly, athletic or medical tape can help hold a hammertoe flat, supporting its position and reducing discomfort.
3. Custom orthotics
Custom orthotics are prescription shoe inserts designed specifically for your feet. They provide support while standing and walking, holding your toes in the correct position, easing pain, and supporting your mobility. When prescribing orthotics, Dr. Morreale takes 3D scans of your feet to ensure a perfect fit.
4. Toe exercises
Because hammertoes are caused by tight muscles and tendons, certain exercises may help loosen them up. For example, stretches like toe curls and toe spreads can strengthen and lengthen the muscles, increasing circulation, and promoting healing.
5. Surgical correction
Sometimes, severe hammertoe requires surgical correction. If your affected toe has become rigid or remains stiff, swollen, and painful after conservative treatment, we may recommend a procedure to realign the affected bones, relax the soft tissues, and straighten your toe.
Several hammertoe surgical treatments exist, including tendon transfer, joint resection, and fusion. Each approach has advantages and potential risks. After diagnostic imaging and a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Morreale makes personalized treatment recommendations.
Request hammertoe treatment today
Hammertoes can be very uncomfortable, and if you have a condition like diabetes, they can increase your risk of more severe complications. The good news is that treatment can provide relief — and our team at The Foot Institute is here to help.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Morreale, call your nearest office in Shreveport or Natchitoches, Louisiana, today.