Hammer Toe: What it is and how to cure it

Hammer toe is the most common deformity of the lesser toes. This condition is caused by a muscle imbalance that bends the toe into claw-like position – hence the name “hammer toe.” Hammer toe usually occurs with the second toe, often when a bunion pushes the big toe under it, but any of the other three smaller toes can be affected and become hammer toes. When a hammer toe becomes rigid, it's not possible to straighten it out just by manipulating it. And the new top-side protrusion caused by the hammer toe can also lead to corns and calluses on the top of the toe.

Preventing hammer toe

Some other preventative measures that can be taken to prevent susceptible feet from developing hammer toe:

• Prescription inserts to correct the foot functioning that may lead to hammer toe.
• Calf stretches to prevent the imbalance that causes hammer toe.
• Comfortable and properly fitting shoes to prevent the bunions and pressure that cause hammer toe.

Because bunions can be a critical contributor to the development of hammer toe, people who have bunions in their family history should take special care to make sure not to put too much pressure on their feet with tight shoes.

Treating hammer toe

Once hammer toe has been diagnosed, there are different paths you might take to treat it.

• Wear open toe shoes to allow the hammer toe to straighten.
• Hammer toe pads.
• Tendon release for flexible hammer toes.
• Bone removal for rigid hammer toes.

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