Hammer Toe
Hammer Toe Overview
Hammer toe occurs when a toe curls down instead of pointing straight. Hammer toe symptoms make walking difficult and make it impossible to wear certain shoe types. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) foot and ankle specialist should be made as soon as symptoms present.
Symptoms & Causes
Hammer toe symptoms include:
- A visibility deformity
- A corn or callus
- Pain
- Redness
- Stiffness
- Swelling
Hammer toe causes include:
- High heels
- Tight shoes
- Toe injuries (break, jam, stub)
Common Treatments:
Nonsurgical treatment options treat most hammer toes. After a thorough evaluation, a CONA foot and ankle specialist may recommend:
- Orthotics
- Pads
- Shoe changes
- Shoe inserts
- Stretching exercises
Surgery may be recommended to treat hammer toes that do not respond to nonsurgical treatment. A CONA foot and ankle specialist carefully releases the tendon to straighten the toe.