What To Know
- Hammer toe is a foot deformity that causes the toe to bend downward at the middle joint.
- You may also need to wear a cast or splint to protect the toe while it heals.
Hammer toe is a foot deformity that causes the toe to bend downward at the middle joint. It can be painful and make it difficult to wear shoes. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to fix hammer toe, depending on the severity of the condition.
What Causes Hammer Toe?
Hammer toe is usually caused by wearing shoes that are too short or too narrow. This can put pressure on the toes and cause them to bend out of shape. Other factors that can contribute to hammer toe include:
- Genetics: Some people are more likely to develop hammer toe than others.
- Arthritis: Arthritis can cause the joints in the toes to become stiff and deformed.
- Trauma: A toe injury can also lead to hammer toe.
Symptoms of Hammer Toe
The most common symptom of hammer toe is pain. The pain may be worse when you wear shoes or when you walk. Other symptoms of hammer toe include:
- Stiffness in the toe
- Swelling
- Redness
- Corns or calluses on the toe
Can Hammer Toe Be Fixed?
Yes, hammer toe can be fixed. The type of treatment that is best for you will depend on the severity of your condition.
Conservative Treatment Options
For mild cases of hammer toe, conservative treatment options may be enough to relieve pain and correct the deformity. These options include:
- Wearing shoes that fit properly: This means shoes that are long enough and wide enough to accommodate your toes.
- Using toe pads or splints: These can help to cushion the toes and keep them in a more natural position.
- Exercises: There are a number of exercises that can help to strengthen the muscles around the toes and improve flexibility.
Surgical Treatment Options
If conservative treatment options do not provide relief, surgery may be necessary to correct hammer toe. Surgery involves cutting the tendons or ligaments that are causing the toe to bend. In some cases, the bone in the toe may also need to be straightened.
Recovery from Hammer Toe Surgery
Recovery from hammer toe surgery typically takes 4-6 weeks. During this time, you will need to keep the toe elevated and avoid putting weight on it. You may also need to wear a cast or splint to protect the toe while it heals.
Prevention of Hammer Toe
The best way to prevent hammer toe is to wear shoes that fit properly. You should also avoid activities that put pressure on the toes, such as running or jumping. If you have any risk factors for hammer toe, such as arthritis or a family history of the condition, you should be especially careful to take preventive measures.
Information You Need to Know
Q: What is the best way to treat hammer toe?
A: The best way to treat hammer toe depends on the severity of the condition. Conservative treatment options, such as wearing shoes that fit properly and using toe pads or splints, may be enough to relieve pain and correct the deformity in mild cases. For more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Q: How long does it take to recover from hammer toe surgery?
A: Recovery from hammer toe surgery typically takes 4-6 weeks. During this time, you will need to keep the toe elevated and avoid putting weight on it. You may also need to wear a cast or splint to protect the toe while it heals.
Q: Can hammer toe be prevented?
A: The best way to prevent hammer toe is to wear shoes that fit properly. You should also avoid activities that put pressure on the toes, such as running or jumping. If you have any risk factors for hammer toe, such as arthritis or a family history of the condition, you should be especially careful to take preventive measures.
