Because you may be experiencing a condition called hammertoe. Just as the name says, a hammertoe is a toe deformity that causes one or more toes to become permanently bent at the middle joint, taking on the appearance of a hammer. If the toe bends at the end, it is called a claw toe, and if you have several claw toes in a row you have clawfoot!

The second, third, and fourth toes are most often affected by these conditions. It occurs when the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that keep the toes in a normal position are no longer providing the necessary support.

Moving the toes can be extremely difficult or painful, and you may also develop corns on your toes as the bent sections rub against your footwear.

Treatment for hammertoes

The pain and pressure caused by hammertoes can often be alleviated with the correct choice of well fitting and supportive footwear.  The use of pads and custom orthotic shoe inserts will help to protect the toes from friction. Depending upon how much flexibility you retain in your toes, your foot doctor may recommend toe strengthening exercises that will help stretch your toe into a more straightened position.

If pain and discomfort do not substantially decrease using these methods, a surgical procedure may be necessary. The tendon will be released so that the toe can properly move, and a section of bone may be removed from your toe to help flatten it.

If you are concerned about a hammertoe, we highly recommend that you consult with our board-certified podiatrists at Syracuse Podiatry located in East Syracuse, New York. With access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience diagnosing and treating a wide variety of foot and ankle problems, Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, and Dr. Payel Ghosh, and their dedicated staff, will be happy to help you with your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.