Hammertoe

Sports Arena Podiatry Group

Podiatrists & Podiatric Surgeons located in San Diego, CA, Coronado, CA & Chula Vista, CA

If you notice an abnormal bend in your toe, hammertoe may be the problem. The team at Sports Arena Podiatry Group, with three convenient locations in Chula Vista, Coronado, and San Diego, California, offers surgical and conservative treatments for hammertoe. For advanced care of hammertoe, call the nearest office to book an appointment today.

Hammertoe Q & A

What is hammertoe?

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity characterized by a bend in one or both of the joints of a toe. Hammertoe may affect every toe but the big toe.

Hammertoe is a progressive deformity that usually starts mild and worsens over time. Early-stage hammertoe often resolves with nonsurgical treatments like changing footwear. Severe hammertoe may require surgery to correct.

What are the symptoms of hammertoe?

The most obvious sign of hammertoe is an abnormal bend in one or both joints of your toe. Corns or calluses may develop between your toes or on the tops or sides of your foot due to friction when wearing shoes.

At first, the hammertoe may maintain flexibility. If left untreated, the toe can become rigid so you can’t straighten it out. Open sores may form at this point. The only way to treat a rigid hammertoe is with surgery.

It’s important to seek treatment for hammertoe sooner rather than later because it won’t heal on its own. Call Sports Arena Podiatry Group as soon as you see an abnormal bend in your toe.

What causes hammertoe?

The most common cause of hammertoe is a muscle and tendon imbalance in your foot. Other possible causes include wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow and trauma like stubbing or breaking your toe.

Certain factors may increase your risk of hammertoe, such as having a second toe that’s longer than the big toe and diseases like arthritis and diabetes. For some people, hammertoe is an inherited condition.

How is hammertoe diagnosed and treated?

Sports Arena Podiatry Group can diagnose hammertoe by examining your foot. They also take an X-ray to further evaluate the structure of your bones and joints.

They’ll recommend the best approach to treatment for your specific needs. Nonsurgical treatment for a flexible hammertoe may include: