At a Glance
- Hammer toe is a common foot deformity that causes the toe to bend downward at the middle joint.
- Injuries to the foot, such as a sprain or fracture, can also lead to hammer toe.
- The best way to fix hammer toe depends on the severity of the deformity and your individual needs.
Hammer toe is a common foot deformity that causes the toe to bend downward at the middle joint. This can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty wearing shoes. If you’re wondering, “can hammer toe be fixed?” the answer is yes. There are a number of treatments available to correct hammer toe and relieve your pain.
What Causes Hammer Toe?
Hammer toe can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Genetics: Some people are more likely to develop hammer toe due to the shape of their feet.
- Ill-fitting shoes: Wearing shoes that are too tight or too short can put pressure on the toes and cause them to bend downward.
- High heels: Wearing high heels can also put pressure on the toes and cause them to bend downward.
- Foot injuries: Injuries to the foot, such as a sprain or fracture, can also lead to hammer toe.
- Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as arthritis and diabetes, can also increase the risk of developing hammer toe.
Symptoms of Hammer Toe
The most common symptom of hammer toe is pain in the affected toe. The pain may be worse when you’re walking or wearing shoes. Other symptoms of hammer toe include:
- Stiffness in the affected toe
- Redness and swelling around the affected toe
- A callus on the top of the affected toe
- Difficulty bending the affected toe
Can Hammer Toe Be Fixed?
Yes, hammer toe can be fixed. There are a number of treatments available, depending on the severity of the deformity.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Non-surgical treatments for hammer toe include:
- Shoe modifications: Wearing shoes that fit properly and have a wide toe box can help to relieve pain and prevent further deformity.
- Toe spacers: Toe spacers can be worn between the toes to help to straighten them.
- Custom orthotics: Custom orthotics can be made to fit your feet and help to correct the alignment of your toes.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles in your feet and improve your range of motion.
Surgical Treatments
If non-surgical treatments do not work, surgery may be necessary to correct hammer toe. Surgery typically involves cutting the tendon that is causing the toe to bend downward. In some cases, the bone in the toe may also need to be straightened.
Recovery from Hammer Toe Surgery
Recovery from hammer toe surgery typically takes about 6 weeks. During this time, you will need to wear a special shoe or cast to protect your toe. You may also need to use crutches to avoid putting weight on your toe.
Complications of Hammer Toe Surgery
Complications of hammer toe surgery are rare, but they can include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Stiffness in the toe
- Recurrence of the hammer toe deformity
Preventing Hammer Toe
There are a number of things you can do to prevent hammer toe, including:
- Wear shoes that fit properly and have a wide toe box.
- Avoid wearing high heels for long periods of time.
- If you have a foot injury, see a doctor right away.
- Manage any medical conditions that can increase your risk of developing hammer toe, such as arthritis and diabetes.
Alternatives to Hammer Toe Surgery
If you are considering hammer toe surgery, you may want to discuss alternative treatments with your doctor. These alternatives may include:
- Injections: Injections of corticosteroids can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Laser therapy: Laser therapy can help to stimulate healing and reduce pain.
- Ultrasound therapy: Ultrasound therapy can help to break up scar tissue and improve blood flow.
The Best Way to Fix Hammer Toe
The best way to fix hammer toe depends on the severity of the deformity and your individual needs. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Can hammer toe be fixed without surgery?
Yes, hammer toe can be fixed without surgery in some cases. Non-surgical treatments for hammer toe include shoe modifications, toe spacers, custom orthotics, and physical therapy.
2. What is the success rate of hammer toe surgery?
The success rate of hammer toe surgery is very high. Most people who have hammer toe surgery experience significant relief from pain and improvement in the appearance of their toe.
3. How long does it take to recover from hammer toe surgery?
Recovery from hammer toe surgery typically takes about 6 weeks. During this time, you will need to wear a special shoe or cast to protect your toe. You may also need to use crutches to avoid putting weight on your toe.