hammertooth

Hammertooth is a common foot deformity where one of the smaller toes, most often the second, third, or fourth toe, bends in a downward direction at the middle joint. This abnormal bending causes the toe to resemble a hammer. The condition typically develops over time due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that hold the toe in its normal position. This imbalance can lead to the affected toe being pulled upward at the base joint and downward at the middle joint.

Several factors can contribute to the development of hammertooth. The most frequently cited cause is wearing shoes that are too tight or too short, forcing the toes into a bent position. This is especially common with high-heeled shoes, which push the foot forward and cramp the toes. Other contributing factors include genetics, arthritis, injury to the toe, and nerve damage. A hammertooth can be flexible or rigid. Flexible hammertoes can be straightened manually, while rigid hammertoes are fixed in their bent position.

Symptoms of hammertooth can include pain in the affected toe, corns and calluses on the top of the bent joint or the tip of the toe due to friction with shoes, redness and swelling, and difficulty moving the toe. In severe cases, the toe may become permanently crooked. Treatment options depend on the severity and flexibility of the hammertooth. Non-surgical treatments include wearing wider, more supportive shoes, using padding to relieve pressure, stretching exercises, and orthotics. If conservative treatments are ineffective or the deformity is severe, surgery may be recommended to realign the toe.