Do you have a toe that is bent upwards? You may have a hammer toe. Would you like to know how to manage it and prevent it from getting worse? Or, would you like to try to prevent a hammer toe entirely? If so, this blog is for you! It’s hammer (toe) time!
A hammer toe is a toe deformity, where there is bending at the joint. It most commonly affects the second toe, the toe next to the big toe. They often begin as a mild toe deformity, without pain, but generally they become more of an issue over time. Hammertoes are a common complaint among the female population in particular, as footwear is often the cause.
What Causes Hammer Toes?
Footwear - High heels and narrow shoes put more pressure on the ball of the foot, especially on the toes. Pressure from the big toe on one side and the smaller toes on the other result in little to no space, the second toe has nowhere to go, but upwards- forming a hammertoe. If you cram your feet into a tiny space in a shoe, the toes are not comfortable and they will let you know all about it. Pain is your body's way to tell you something is not right. It is up to you to identify and remove the cause of the pain, otherwise the issue remains the same.
Morton's toe - People who have a Morton’s toe, where the second toe is longer are more prone to hammer toes. This is generally because we tend to fit our footwear according to our big toe, but we should instead focus on fitting shoes to our longest toe, to ensure there is enough length in the shoe and space for the toes. Pressure from shoes which are too small can force the second toe backwards into a bent position at the knuckle joint.
The development of toe deformities, such as hammer toes, may run in families, however the progression may be sped up through the use of ill-fitting footwear.
How To Prevent Hammer Toes At Home
This is an obvious one, but you must ensure you are wearing footwear which is a good fit for your feet. You can take the inside (footbed) out of your shoe if it has removable footbeds - you can stand on this and check if you have a thumbnail between the end of your longest toe and the edge of the footbed. If your shoes do not have removable footbeds, you can stand on a piece of thin cardboard (e.g. from a cereal box) trace around your foot and cut it out. Shove this inside your shoe and check to see if the cardboard buckles when you try to lay it flat, this indicates the shoe is too short. If the cardboard curls up at the side, this indicates the shoe is too narrow.
Toe stretches can help prevent the hammer toe from becoming a rigid toe deformity. It is flexible in the early stages. Regular stretches such as pointing the toes downwards, trying to pick up a sock or tissue with your toes can stretch the tendons responsible for hammer toes.
What Can A Podiatrist Do For Me?
It is important to see a podiatrist if you have concerns about hammer toes as there is a multitude of options available if caught at an early stage.
A podiatrist can remove any callus or corns on the hammer toe- these often occur at top of the toe on the knuckle joint or at the tip of the toe. This is done using a scalpel, which is a sharp instrument and should only be carried out by a podiatrist, not at home.
They may apply padding to offload the joint, which aims to relieve pain and prevent corns from reoccurring. Padding is generally a short-term treatment option.
The podiatrist can make an ottoform, which is a custom-made silicone device. This is a more long-term treatment option and can either reduce pressure from the top or tip of the toe, depending on the device. As it is made solely for the individual’s use, ottoforms are generally more comfortable and effective than pre-made gel devices.
Gel devices are available in some pharmacies; but ottoforms are custom made for the individual, which offers a better solution to the issue. Some gel devices can be too bulky, uncomfortable and gel tubes can cause maceration (moist, wet skin).
Podiatrists advise wide, round toed shoes with a deep toe box to provide more space around the toe area. Seam free uppers are recommended as seams may cause friction and pressure to the hammertoes, causing hard skin and corns. If the shoe has a suitable material and you need just a little extra room for the hammer toe, you could bring your shoes to a cobbler. They may add a circular bulge to the area of your shoe pressing on the hammertoe, which could provide more comfort when walking.
Open-toe sandals are another alternative, as long as the sandal strap does not come across the top of the toes. Unfortunately, Ireland does not have a climate to wear open-toe sandals all year round. Surgery is the last resort and is only advised in certain circumstances and by careful consideration with your podiatrist and GP.
If you feel a podiatrist may help you, please click here to book your podiatry appointment today!