Why Hammertoes Get Worse Over Time If You Ignore Them

Hammertoes are among the most common foot deformities, affecting millions of people and interfering with mobility, comfort, and quality of life. While early on, an unnaturally bent toe might just seem like a minor convenience, delaying care can lead to painful complications that are a lot harder to “undo.”

The team of experts at Forward Foot & Ankle Associates specializes in diagnosing and treating hammertoes. Learn why early care is so important for preserving foot health and reducing your need for surgery in the future.

How hammertoes happen

Hammertoes get their unique name from the way they affect the toe’s shape: In a hammertoe, the toe joint is bent severely, causing the toe to take on the look of a hammer. While bunions affect the bottom joint of the big toe, hammertoes affect the second, third, or fourth toe — and sometimes multiple toes at once.

Lots of factors can contribute to the formation of hammertoes, including the way you walk, your genetics, and even the type of shoes you wear — for instance, high heels or shoes with tight or pointy toe boxes. They also tend to become more common with age. 

The underlying cause involves the tendons and ligaments that support your toe and control its movement. When these tendons and ligaments stiffen and shorten, they pull the toe downward, eventually causing it to assume that characteristic hammer-like shape.

Why early intervention is so important

In their early stages, hammertoes are flexible, meaning the joint is still pliant and moves easily. But as they progress, without medical intervention, they slowly become rigid and stiff. 

Rigid hammertoes can alter the way you walk, especially when shoes rub or press against the toe and cause pain. Continual friction against your toe increases your risk of painful calluses and corns or sores that can lead to infection, particularly if you have diabetes. 

Your risk of painful arthritis also increases, along with the likelihood of lifelong foot pain and joint inflammation. Buying shoes that fit well and don’t cause discomfort can be a challenge in itself.

Avoiding surgery

What’s more, once the toe is rigid, your treatment options change. Instead of treating your hammertoes with physical therapy, splinting, and other conservative approaches, rigid hammertoes typically require surgery to straighten the joint and lengthen the ligaments and tendons surrounding it.

On the flip side, early intervention focuses on preventing rigidity, gently stretching and strengthening the ligaments, tendons, and muscles for normal joint position and movement. Toe exercises, custom orthotics, and physical therapy can help you restore your toe while avoiding surgery at the same time.

Give your feet the attention they deserve

Hammertoes might not seem like a big deal initially, but without the right treatment, they can become a lifelong problem. 

To learn how we can help you prevent complications, avoid pain, reduce the need for surgery, and restore your comfort, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Forward Foot & Ankle Associates in Midtown Manhattan and Staten Island, New York, today.