Treatment for Hammertoes in St. Joseph, Kansas City, Platte City, & Parkville, MO
Hammertoes may start as a mild annoyance, but over time, they can become painful and limit your mobility. At Pivotal Foot and Ankle Surgeons, serving St. Joseph, Kansas City, Parkville, and Platte City, MO, expert podiatrists Dr. Russell Grimes, Dr. Ross Bartley, and Dr. Tyler Sten provide personalized, effective care to address hammertoes at every stage. Whether your symptoms are new or long-standing, their team is here to help you move more comfortably.
What Is a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe is a deformity where one of the smaller toes — usually the second, third, or fourth — bends abnormally at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. This change in position often starts out flexible but can become rigid over time, making it difficult or painful to move the toe. Hammertoes don’t just affect how your foot looks, they can cause real discomfort and interfere with walking, wearing shoes, and daily activities.
What Causes Hammertoes?
Hammertoes can develop for a few different reasons. Often, it starts with an imbalance in the muscles and tendons that normally keep your toes straight. This imbalance pulls the toe into a bent position. Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, especially those with narrow toe boxes or high heels, can make the condition worse. Other risk factors include genetics, arthritis, injury to the toe, or having a second toe that’s longer than your big toe. Over time, pressure on the bent joint leads to pain, corns, calluses, and even difficulty walking.
Symptoms to Watch For
The most noticeable sign of a hammertoe is the bend in the middle joint of one of your toes. You might also feel pain when wearing shoes, notice swelling or redness, or develop thickened skin from friction. If the toe becomes stiff, you may not be able to straighten it on your own. As the condition progresses, walking can become more difficult, and you may notice changes in the way your shoes fit.