# Hammer Toes

- Link: https://carolinaona.com/hammer-toes/
- Published: 2019-02-05T18:33:14-05:00
- Author: Dallas Clifton

# Hammer Toe

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### 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.