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Many people suffer from hammer toes. At Foot and Ankle Care of Colorado we see patients daily for toe deformities. There are different types of hammertoes and the amount of pain they cause varies. Hammer toes can be treated leading to less foot pain and a more satisfying life.
What are Hammer Toes?
Hammer toes are toes that are bent at the joints between the small bones in a toe. Most toes are straight when relaxed, but contractures may develop causing the toe to “hammer”. Depending on which joint is bent, there are a few types of hammertoes.
What causes Hammer Toes?
Hammertoes can have multiple causes. The most common is an imbalance in the tendons that pull on the toe. There are tendons that pull the toe up called extensor tendons. There are tendons that pull the toe down called flexor tendons. In some foot types, one of the tendons pulls harder than the other tendon. This causes the toe to bend. Occasionally hammertoes form from other causes such as when a tendon is cut or ruptures. These hammertoes usually develop rapidly after an injury. Rarely, hammertoes are caused by damage to the capsule that holds a toe joint together. There are also diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis that change the toe joints directly causing hammer toes. Another common problem is when the big toe has a bunion deformity that causes the big toe to push the smaller toes up into a hammer toe.
Do Hammer Toes cause problems?
Hammertoes may be a problem, but not always. Some people live with hammer toes for many years and have no issues. Many people do suffer pain caused by hammer toes. When the toe bends up, it can rub on the top of a shoe. When the tip of the toe bends down, it can cause very painful calluses to the end of the toe. These calluses can become skin ulcers if they are not cared for. Often, the toenail becomes damaged and abnormally shaped. If a hammertoe is left untreated for many years, it leads to arthritis of the joints. The arthritic toe joints may cause the toe to be bent constantly which prevents the toe from straightening. This is called a rigid hammer toe. A rigid hammertoe is often painful at the arthritic joint.
How are Hammer Toes treated?
Treatments for hammer toes vary based on the amount of pain and the extent of the deformity. Shoes with extra depth toe boxes exist for people who suffer from toe deformities. Toe taping and toe splints are available to keep the toe straight. There are small procedures that can be performed in the office in toes in early stages of the deformity that can straighten a toe. Often, hammer toes are fixed surgically in an operating room where the surgeon can alter the small toe joints to make the toe straight. At Foot and Ankle Care of Colorado our doctors treat hammer toes daily and can give individual recommendations based on the level of deformity your toe has.
What is a Cross Over toe?
A cross over toe is a type of hammertoe when one toe crosses over another. Most commonly, the second toe crosses over the big toe. Less commonly, one of the smaller toes crosses over the adjacent toe. This type of toe deformity usually develops over time. If a bunion deformity or hammertoe deformity is left untreated, the hammer toe begins to cross to one side. This can also occur when the part of the toe joint capsule called the plantar plate tears. One of the roles of the plantar plate is to hold the toe down. Often, the plantar plate of the toe is repaired while the cross over toe is straightened to prevent the
toe deformity from recurring. If the cross over toe is caused by a bunion, then the surgeon often corrects the bunion at the same time as the cross over toe.
What is a Claw Toe?
A Claw toe is a type of hammer toe. There are 3 bones in the smaller toes with two joints between the bones. When both joints are bent downwards, this is a claw toe deformity. Often both joints need to be corrected to straighten a toe.
What is a Mallet Toe?
A mallet toe is when only the joint closes to the nail is bent downwards and the other joint is straight. This causes the tip of the toe to be driven down into the ground and is often painful.
What is a varus toe?
When a toe bends toward the inside of the body, it has a varus deformity. The 5th toe is commonly has a varus deformity. This can cause rubbing, sores, and painful calluses to the top or side of the toe. It may require a special skin procedure in addition to changing the joint when correcting the toe to make it straighten.
When should I see a doctor for a Hammer toe?
If your toes are causing pain or you are having difficulty finding any shoes that fit, you should see a doctor. If you develop a toe deformity after an injury you should be evaluated. When in doubt, your foot doctor can answer questions about your toe.
How long will it take to schedule my Hammer toe surgery?
As the year ends and many patients have met their deductibles, our offices quickly fill up with patients requesting elective surgeries such as hammer toe repairs and bunion corrections. The earlier you are seen, the greater the chance of scheduling surgery quickly. Our board-certified surgeons at Foot and Ankle Care of Colorado will work closely with Surgery Centers and Hospitals to schedule your surgery in a reasonable timeframe.
About Foot & Ankle Care of Colorado
At Foot & Ankle Care of Colorado, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care for all your foot and ankle needs. Led by board-certified specialists, our practice offers comprehensive treatments for a wide range of conditions, from common issues like plantar fasciitis and ankle sprains to complex deformities and trauma. With locations in Boulder and Greeley, we take pride in delivering personalized care using advanced techniques to help you get back on your feet. Your mobility, comfort, and well-being are our top priorities. Learn more about our services at Foot & Ankle Care of Colorado.