Are Hammertoes Dangerous?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, hammertoes are one of the most common structural foot abnormalities, affecting up to 3% of American adults over age 21. They typically occur in runners and athletes, but anyone who wears tight shoes or has other foot problems is also at risk. 

In most cases, hammertoes respond to conservative treatment and present few risks. However, for those with diabetes and poor circulation, there’s a possibility of dangerous complications. At Mayfair Foot Care in Commack, New York, podiatrists Drs. Edward Buro, Christine Peterson, and Rosario Saccomanno specialize in treating hammertoes. Here, we explain what hammertoes are, discuss their symptoms, and highlight when treatment is essential.

Understanding hammertoes

A hammertoe is a structural abnormality that causes one or more of your toes to stay bent instead of lying flat. They can develop on any toe but commonly affect the middle toes. 

Hammertoes vary in severity. A minor hammertoe likely won’t affect your mobility. But if it goes untreated, the affected joint can freeze, causing your toe to remain bent permanently. If this happens, it increases the risk of more serious problems, like calluses, blisters, and slow-healing ulcers.

The three types of hammertoes

Hammertoes fall into three categories:

Flexible hammertoes

This type doesn’t affect your toe’s movement. You can still bend it but may notice a visible curve in the affected joint.

Semi-rigid hammertoes

This type causes your affected toe joint to become stiff and difficult to bend.

Rigid hammertoes

This type freezes your affected toe joint in a bent position. No movement is possible, and it often requires surgery.

When to see a podiatrist about a hammertoe

Make an appointment at Mayfair Foot Care if you notice any visible changes in your toes. That’s especially true if they occur alongside symptoms like pain, stiffness, or trouble walking. 

Professional treatment is even more important if you have diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or another condition that affects circulation or sensation in your feet. Since hammertoes are susceptible to calluses and blisters, they can cause breaks in your skin. 

Unfortunately, if you have poor circulation, you might not notice anything is wrong unless you inspect your feet daily. Without prompt intervention, a popped blister or damaged callus can slowly develop into an open wound (ulcer), increasing your risk of infection and other potentially severe complications. 

How are hammertoes diagnosed?

Diagnosing hammertoes is relatively quick and easy. Your provider examines your toes and toe joints. They assess your affected toes’ range of motion and gently press on them to identify sensitive places. Tell your provider about the types of shoes you regularly wear and if you have an underlying medical condition, like diabetes. 

A visual exam is typically enough to confirm a diagnosis, but your provider may complete X-rays to check for joint damage. 

How are hammertoes treated?

Treatment of hammertoes depends on several factors, including their severity and effect on your quality of life. Your provider could suggest:

• Wearing shoes that provide plenty of room for your toes
• Wearing toe pads or cushions to prevent blisters
• Using medical tape to hold your toes in the proper position
• Orthotics (prescription inserts) that keep your toes in the correct position
• Toe exercises to strengthen your toes and improve their flexibility

Your provider also recommends healthy lifestyle changes if you have diabetes or another condition that increases your risk of hammertoe-related complications. For example, inspecting and washing your feet daily can alert you to joint changes early on and prevent them from worsening.

Conservative measures typically provide relief,  but if your hammertoe causes severe pain or affects your mobility, surgery might be necessary.

Contact Mayfair Foot Care today if you’re concerned about a hammertoe. Call our office in Commack, New York, to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online.