How to Know if You Have Hammertoes

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity that causes the toes to bend abnormally at the middle joint. The toes then resemble a hammer, hence the name, which can lead to pain, discomfort, and difficulty with footwear. However, Board Certified Podiatrist Lionel G. Hausman, DPM, will detail in this article what hammertoes are, their symptoms, and if you are at risk.

What are Hammertoes?

A hammertoe is a deformity that primarily affects the second, third, or fourth toes. It involves a contracture, or bending, at the proximal interphalangeal joint, which is the middle joint of the toe. This bending causes the toe to take on a characteristic “hammer” or claw-like shape.

Fun fact: Hammertoes are the most common deformity in the forefoot.

What Are the Symptoms of Hammertoes?

Beyond the visible bending and cosmetic injury, people with hammertoes may experience physical symptoms such as pain in the toe joint (especially while walking), corns or calluses on the top of the bend due to friction from shoes, redness and swelling from inflammation of the joint, and stiffness.

At first, you may have what are called flexible hammertoes, where the toes are still movable and can be manually straightened. However, over time, the hammertoes become rigid and impossible to straighten without medical intervention.

What Are the Risk Factors for Hammertoes?

Several factors can contribute to the development of hammertoes:

• Footwear: Wearing shoes that are too tight, narrow, or have high heels is a major risk factor. These shoes force the toes into a cramped position and lead to muscle imbalances and joint contractures.
• Genetics: Some people inherit a predisposition to developing hammertoes due to their foot structure. Some studies have shown that having a long second toe can encourage bending.
• Trauma: Toe injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, can increase the risk of developing hammertoes.
• Age: The risk of hammertoes increases with age, as the muscles and tendons in the feet can weaken over time.
• Sex: Women are more likely to develop hammertoes than men, often due to a history of wearing constricting footwear.
• Foot structures: Such as those with high arches, flat feet, or bunions.
• Neuromuscular diseases: Conditions that affect muscles and nerves can increase the risk, such as cerebral palsy, stroke, peripheral neuropathy, and spinal cord injuries.
• Biomechanical Factors: Abnormal foot mechanics, such as excessive pronation or supination, can contribute to muscle imbalances and increase the risk of hammertoes.

If any of these apply to you, consider visiting a trusted podiatrist for a consultation.

If you have a foot problem you’d like to address, you’ll want to visit Gramercy Park for an appointment with Board Certified Podiatrist Lionel G. Hausman, DPM. Whether it’s an ingrown toenail, heel pain, bunions, or plantar fasciitis, Dr. Hausman can expertly treat numerous foot and ankle conditions. If you’re in need of help, get in touch with us today!