If your toes are curling or bending abnormally, making it uncomfortable to wear shoes or walk normally, you may be dealing with hammer toes. At Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Clinics in Edina, MN, Dr. Michael Bevan provides expert diagnosis and treatment for hammer toes to relieve pain, restore function, and help patients maintain healthy, balanced feet.
What Are Hammer Toes?
A hammer toe is a deformity that causes one or more of the smaller toes—usually the second, third, or fourth—to bend downward at the middle joint, resembling the shape of a hammer. Over time, this condition can lead to stiffness, corns, calluses, and pain when walking or wearing shoes.
Hammer toes can be flexible (still able to move) or rigid (stuck in a bent position). Early intervention is key, as flexible hammer toes can often be corrected without surgery, while rigid deformities may require more advanced treatment.
Causes of Hammer Toes
Hammer toes often develop due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that control toe movement. Several factors can contribute to this imbalance, including:
- Wearing tight or narrow shoes that crowd the toes
- Genetics or inherited foot structure
- High arches or flat feet
- Bunions that push the smaller toes out of alignment
- Arthritis or joint disorders affecting the toes
- Foot injuries or trauma
Over time, pressure and muscle imbalance can cause the toe joint to remain permanently bent, leading to discomfort and joint stiffness.
Common Symptoms of Hammer Toes
Hammer toes typically develop gradually, starting with mild discomfort and increasing over time. Symptoms may include:
- A bent or curled toe that’s difficult to straighten
- Pain or irritation when wearing shoes
- Corns or calluses forming on the top or tip of the affected toe
- Swelling or redness around the joint
- Restricted movement in the toe joint
If left untreated, hammer toes can cause chronic pain and limit mobility, affecting your daily activities and overall comfort.
Diagnosing Hammer Toes
At Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Clinics, Dr. Bevan performs a thorough foot examination to assess toe flexibility, muscle balance, and joint alignment. X-rays may be recommended to evaluate the severity of the deformity and check for underlying bone or joint issues.
Treatment Options for Hammer Toes
Treatment depends on whether the hammer toe is flexible or rigid. Dr. Bevan offers a range of conservative and surgical solutions tailored to each patient’s needs.
Non-surgical treatments may include:
- Wearing shoes with a wide toe box and proper arch support
- Custom orthotics to redistribute pressure and correct alignment
- Toe exercises to stretch and strengthen muscles
- Protective padding to reduce friction from shoes
- Anti-inflammatory medications to ease pain and swelling
If the toe has become rigid or conservative measures are ineffective, surgical correction may be recommended to realign the joint and restore normal function.
Preventing Hammer Toes
Simple lifestyle adjustments can help reduce your risk of developing hammer toes or prevent them from worsening:
- Choose comfortable, well-fitting shoes with plenty of room for your toes
- Avoid wearing high heels or tight footwear for extended periods
- Perform toe stretches and strengthening exercises regularly
- Address foot problems like bunions or flat feet early on
Expert Hammer Toe Care in Edina, MN
If you’re experiencing discomfort or changes in your toe alignment, don’t ignore the symptoms. The earlier hammer toes are treated, the better your outcome will be. Dr. Michael Bevan and the team at Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Clinics in Edina, MN are here to provide compassionate, effective care for all your foot and ankle concerns.
Call (952) 926-3566 today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward relief and restored mobility.