When you have a deformity in the first joint of the toe making it point up and then down, it’s called a hammertoe. The tip of the toe may still be flat, but between that and the foot, there is an upside-down V. It may or may not cause pain, but it needs to be treated if it causes swelling and redness of the toe, has a painful corn on top, gives you pain at the base of your toe, and/or causes pain when you try to move the toe.

Hammertoes can be caused by abnormal development of muscle tissue in the toes, hereditary factors, trauma, arthritis, and wearing shoes that are too tight. When it is caught early, flexible hammertoes are more easily treatable with padding and taping. However after a long time, they become rigid hammertoes, which may make surgery the only option.

If you have noticed that you may have some mild symptoms of hammertoe, you can try some at-home treatments such as:

• Wear shoes that are roomier and more comfortable around the toes. This will prevent further deformity and reduce pressures that might cause a corn or blister.
• If you’ve got pain and swelling in your toe(s), apply an ice pack several times a day to reduce inflammation.
• A hammertoe pad can be used on the top of the bent toe to reduce pressure and friction.
• Use a pumice stone to reduce the size of a corn or callus on your toe after a warm soak.
• Try some exercises like picking up small objects with your toes to stretch and strengthen your toes.

If these remedies don’t work, contact us at Texas Foot Works. Our podiatrist, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz, can assess the problem and give you the best treatment option for your particular case. He may suggest padding and taping the toes to protect and straighten them to correct the imbalance. For pain, he may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or give you cortisone injection. Custom orthotic inserts may help to support your feet and prevent worsening symptoms. If the toe deformity and pain become severe, surgery may be the only option to relieve your issues. Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices so that we can help you find pain relief from hammertoes.