What is Hammertoe's Bent Toe?

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In order for the toe to stay straight, muscles, tendons, and ligaments have to be imbalanced, leading to hammertoes. Hammertoes usually occur in the second, third, or fourth toes. They can usually be corrected with simple measures, but if left untreated, can become fixed and require surgery. They are usually caused by shoes that don't fit properly, foot structure, or trauma.

At All-In-One Foot Care Center, we treat hammertoes and their pain.

Hammertoes: what are they?

A hammertoe is a form of contracture of the toe joint. The toe appears to be perpetually contracted as it bends. Hammertoes may form on any toe, but the middle three toes are more commonly affected.

A flexible hammertoe is still developing, so the joint is still flexible. These are more easily treated than rigid hammertoes. Rigid hammertoes are more serious and more developed. In rigid hammertoes, the tendons have become tight and the joint has become immobile. Surgery is usually required to treat rigid hammertoes.

How does a hammertoe develop?

A hammertoe develops when the muscles of the toes are out of balance, causing increased pressure on tendons and joints.

Women who wear shoes with small, tight toe boxes, which squeeze the toes, can develop hammertoes. They are common among arthritis sufferers. They have a genetic component.

The treatment

Your toe may still be flexible, so we may want you to wear more roomy, more comfortable shoes. We may also recommend orthotics or shoe pads.

Stretching and strengthening your toe muscles can be accomplished with various exercises for your toes, such as picking up marbles with your toes.

The board-certified foot surgeons at All-In-One Foot Care Center can perform a surgical procedure to release the tendon that prevents your toe from lying flat if these conservative approaches don't work. To straighten your toe, doctors may also remove a piece of bone.

You can contact our office at 949-588-8833 , or visit our website at https://www.ocfootdoctor.com/ Our offices are located in Laguna Hills, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch, and Costa Mesa.