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18th Apr 2025
Hammer toe, also known as "rotated toe," is a disorder in which the middle joints of the toes curl downward rather than straight forward. More than 200,000 cases of hammer toe are treated in the United States each year, and while the majority are effectively treated at home with conservative techniques, severe cases may necessitate surgery.
What are the signs and causes of hammer toe, and what are the best home treatment options for properly returning your toes to their proper position? Read on!
They are quite painful and debilitating. Identifying the early indicators allows you to seek urgent treatment, avoiding the worst repercussions of the ailment.
Here are some frequent signs and symptoms to be aware of.
Pain or discomfort in the affected toes is one of the most common signs of this foot problem. The pain may be slight or severe, and it becomes more noticeable when wearing shoes or walking.
Swelling or inflammation of the afflicted toes is another common illness. The swelling may make the toes appear red and painful to the touch.
If hammertoe symptoms worsen, the affected toes may become difficult to move. It might cause stiffness in the toes, making it difficult to bend or straighten them.
Corns and calluses may form on the tops or sides of the affected toes. Shoes provide friction or pressure on the skin of hammertoes, resulting in thick, hardened patches.
Because of hammertoe deformity, your toes can become noticeably misshapen. The toes may appear bent or curled, like a hammer or claw.
Some persons with this foot ailment may feel burning or tingling in their affected toes. To discover suspected hammer toe reasons, a podiatrist must thoroughly examine the foot for symptoms of nerve injury.
The affected toes may curl or bend down, making it difficult to wear shoes or walk properly.
Redness or soreness around the affected toes could indicate an infection or inflammation.
Finding comfortable shoes might be tough. The damaged toes may not fit properly in formal shoes, causing discomfort and agony.
In severe situations, it can be difficult to walk or stand. It has a substantial impact on a person's mobility and quality of life.
If you see any of these symptoms, get medical attention immediately. A podiatrist can evaluate the problem and provide appropriate treatment choices to relieve discomfort and keep the disease from deteriorating.
If your hammer toe is caused by ill-fitting footwear, the first crucial thing you can do to remedy it is to stop wearing it right away. Replace the problematic shoes with ones that have plenty of room in the toe box, support your heel and insole, and do not drive the toes downward into the box.
If you suspect that your hammertoe is caused by high arches or a weak and strained arch from wearing unsupportive footwear, utilizing orthotic inserts to correctly support your arch can help reduce pressure and strain on your toes.
Stretching and separating your toes using toe separators is a simple and efficient approach to realigning the foot and toes, extending the muscles and tendons, increasing circulation for healing, and returning the toes to their proper, uncurled positions.
Most cases of hammer toe can be easily treated at home with rest, correct footwear, toe separators, and orthotics. However, if you are unable to move your curled toes or are feeling significant discomfort when walking, you should consult a doctor to get you back on track to recovery!
