Dr. Vincent Coda, D.P.M.
Hammer Toes
What are Hammer Toes?
In general, the term "hammer toe" describes a buckling of any of the toe joints. Joints at the end or middle of the toe, as well as the joint near the ball of the foot, may be affected. Toe joints usually curl because of a muscle imbalance or tight tendons. Hammer toes vary in severity and in the number of joints and toes involved.
Types of Hammer Toes
Hammer toes may be flexible or rigid, depending on the joint's ability to move. A flexible joint may become more rigid as you age.
A Flexible Joint
You can straighten a flexible hammer toe with your fingers. Although they look painful, flexible hammer toes may not hurt.
A Rigid Joint
A rigid hammer toe cannot be moved, even with the fingers. Rigid joints may cause pain and distort foot movement. This may put extra stress on the ball of the foot causing a callus (a corn on the bottom of the foot).
Treating Hammer Toes
In order to determine the correct treatment, Dr. Coda will examine all of your toes, testing whether or not buckled joints can be moved. Your feet will also be checked for any skin changes. Corns (a buildup of dead skin cells) often form between curled toes or on top of buckled joints where shoes rub. If irritated, corns may turn into open wounds and become infected. In addition, Dr. Coda may take X-Rays of the affected toes in order to determine if arthritis is also present.
If your symptoms are mild, changing shoes may be all the treatment you need. Using a splint or pad to hold your toes straight also may help. You can also try cushioning corns and calluses with felt padding. If your symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed. The type of procedure often depends on whether your toe joints are flexible or rigid, and can be determined by Dr. Coda during examination.
Flexible Joints - Tendon Release
This treatment helps release the buckled joint. The bottom (flexor) tendon may be repositioned to the top of the affected toe (flexor tendon transfer). Sometimes, the top or bottom tendon is released but not repositioned (tenotomy). right after surgery, you can bear weight on your foot. You will have to wear a bandage, splint, and surgical shoe for several weeks.
Rigid Joints - Arthroplasty
A part of the joint is removed, and the toe is straightened. You can bear weight on your foot right after surgery. You may need to wear a surgical shoe for a few weeks. When healed, the bones become connected with scar tissue, making your toe flexible.
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