Understanding Hammertoes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

A bend in one of your toes might be small to start with, but over time, it can become more pronounced, disruptive, and painful. Hammertoes are a common foot issue that can affect your ability to wear your favorite shoes or stay active without discomfort. At his Las Vegas, Nevada, podiatry practice, Dr. Ted Cohen helps patients understand what’s happening and how to get ahead of it.

What Exactly is a Hammertoe?

A hammertoe is a deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends abnormally at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like shape. Early on, the toe may still be flexible and respond to stretching. But if left untreated, it can become rigid, making both movement and shoe fitting more difficult.

While the appearance is often obvious, hammertoes aren’t just a cosmetic concern. They can cause pain, limit mobility, and lead to corns or calluses where the toe rubs inside the shoe.

Common Causes of Hammertoes

Several factors can contribute to the development of a hammertoe. One of the most common is an imbalance in the muscles and tendons that control the toe’s movement. This imbalance can pull the toe into a bent position. Wearing high heels or tight shoes that crowd the toes increases the risk. So can having certain foot shapes, such as a flat arch or an overly long second toe.

Injuries, arthritis, and certain neurological conditions may also be contributing factors. In many cases, hammertoes develop gradually, so early signs are easy to miss.

How Symptoms Progress Over Time

When they start to form, hammertoes might only cause minor discomfort or make it tricky to find shoes that fit well. But as the deformity stiffens, walking may become painful, and the toe may rub against footwear, resulting in redness, inflammation, and thickened skin on the top of the joint.

Some people also develop pain in the ball of the foot, as the altered toe position throws off the foot’s natural balance.

Learn Your Treatment Options from Dr. Ted Cohen

The earlier a hammertoe is identified, the more treatment options are available. At his Las Vegas, Nevada, office, Dr. Ted Cohen evaluates the flexibility of the toe and the severity of the symptoms. For flexible hammertoes, conservative treatments like padding, orthotics, toe splints, and roomier footwear can often provide relief and prevent the condition from worsening.

When a hammertoe becomes fixed or painful despite conservative care or is caught too late, surgical correction may be considered. These procedures realign the toe, relieve pressure, and restore foot function.

No matter how your hammertoe has progressed, getting help can make a big difference in how your feet feel day to day. If you’re experiencing toe pain or noticing a change in how your foot looks or moves, call Dr. Ted Cohen in Las Vegas, Nevada, at (702) 387-8777.