It starts with a little discomfort in your toe; maybe a bit of redness, swelling, or an awkward bend you hadn’t noticed before. It might seem harmless, but that bent toe could be the early sign of a condition known as hammertoe, and leaving it unchecked can lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, and more complicated treatments down the line.
Let’s break down what hammertoes are, why they happen, and when it’s time to visit a foot care clinic.
It is a deformity where one of the small toes bends at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like appearance. While it can affect any of the smaller toes, it most commonly occurs in the second, third, or fourth toes.
Over time, the bent position can stiffen and worsen, causing pain during walking or when wearing shoes.
It doesn't appear overnight. The condition typically develops gradually, and recognizing early symptoms makes it much easier to manage. Watch for these signs:
A noticeable bend in one or more toes
Pain or irritation while walking or wearing shoes
Redness, swelling, or corns at the top of the bent toe
Difficulty straightening the toe without discomfort
A feeling of stiffness in the joint
Catching these symptoms early can help you avoid complications like chronic pain, blisters, or pressure sores.
Several factors can increase your risk of developing hammertoes, including:
Wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes
Foot structure issues like flat feet or high arches
Muscle imbalances in the foot
Arthritis or other joint conditions
Trauma or injury to the toe
If one or more of these factors apply to you, regular foot checkups at a foot care clinic are a smart preventative step.
If you notice early signs of hammertoe, don’t wait until it becomes a painful, fixed deformity. A foot care specialist can assess the severity of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatments such as:
Custom orthotics to correct foot alignment
Padding or strapping to relieve pressure
Footwear modifications
Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen muscles
Surgical correction (in severe or advanced cases)
Your feet carry you through life, and even small issues like a bent toe can turn into bigger problems if left unchecked. If you’re dealing with toe pain, swelling, or stiffness, book a visit to your local foot care clinic for an assessment.
Early care means easier, less invasive treatments and happier, pain-free steps ahead.
