Skip to main content

Hammertoes

Castle Rock Foot & Ankle Care -  - Podiatrists

Castle Rock Foot & Ankle Care

Podiatrists located in Castle Rock, CO

Hammertoes can cause discomfort, especially while wearing shoes. They can also make it difficult to move around. Castle Rock Foot & Ankle Care offers effective treatment for correcting this problem. Dr. Jessica Herzog, Dr. Ronnie Pollard, and Dr. Evan Smith evaluate hammertoes and provide treatment that relieves symptoms.

Hammertoes Q & A

What are Hammertoes?

Hammertoes are deformities in the middle joint of affected toes. This type of deformity can lead to soreness any time the joint moves. In some cases, the joint loses its flexibility and cannot be bent or moved. Home care can relieve hammertoe symptoms for some individuals, but others require surgery to straighten out the bent joint.

What are the Signs of Hammertoes?

Hammertoes have an unusual curve or bend in the middle toe joint. This deformity usually occurs in the second, third, or fourth toes rather than the big toe or pinky toe. In addition to having an abnormal appearance, hammertoes can also cause soreness and stiffness in the affected toe. This makes it difficult to flex or bend the toe, which can make walking uncomfortable. Other symptoms include calluses or painful corns that can develop when the affected toe hits the inside of the shoe on a regular basis. Those who are experiencing pain and other hammertoe symptoms should have this deformity evaluated.

What Causes Hammertoes?

Hammertoes develop due to changes that occur in the muscles and other soft tissue structures that normally keep toes straight. These changes can happen from wearing tight shoes or high heels, especially those with pointed toes. Toe stubs and other injuries can also cause these changes. Certain risk factors lead to a higher chance of having hammertoes. These risk factors include being a woman, having a second toe that’s longer than the big toe, and having diabetes or arthritis. Getting older also leads to a higher risk of hammertoes.

How are Hammertoes Diagnosed?

Hammertoe diagnosis involves conducting a physical exam of the affected foot to check for an unusual bend in the middle joint. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, are also done in some cases to see detailed images of the affected toe joint.

What are Treatment Options for Hammertoes?

Hammertoe treatment options depend on whether or not the affected toe can still be moved or bent. Treatments for flexible hammertoes include orthotics to reposition the affected joint and larger shoes that provide the toes with more space to move. Certain exercises that involve curling the toes can help by making the toe muscles stronger and more flexible. When hammertoes have lost their flexibility, surgical procedures that straighten the toe can help.

Insurance

Major Insurance Providers Accepted. Here is a short list of them. Please contact the office if you do not see your provider listed.

AARP
Aetna
BCBS
Cigna
Medicare
Rocky Mountain Health Plans
United Healthcare