What is Hammertoe? An Overview of Causes, Treatment, and Hammertoe Surgery Hammertoe is a condition in which one or both joints of the little toes become bent over time. A hammertoe can result from an imbalance of muscles and tendons. This uncharacteristic bend brings about developmental problems as shoes put pressure put on the toes. Hammertoe on a second toe can be worsened if there is a bunion on the big toe. In extreme cases, this toe is rotated so much that it becomes wedged under the second toe. In this condition, the focus of medical attention might shift to the first toe as a possible cause of the hammertoe. Hammertoe can also be inherited, or result from earlier trauma to the toe. Generally, hammertoe worsens over time and becomes more rigid. This can lead to the formation of a corn. Hammertoe can be caused or aggravated by many forms of arthritis, as well as by neurological disorders. In the latter case, nerves that supply the muscle or tendons either overwork or do not function well so that the toe lifts from the ground and becomes contracted. Symptoms commonly associated with hammertoe include pain and irritation while wearing shoes, the formation of corns and calluses on the toe, inflammation of the toes, and in severe cases, the occurrence of open sores.
Hammertoes typically begin as mild deformities and worsen over time. At first, toes may be flexible and symptoms can sometimes be controlled and fixed without surgery. Various medications exist that can ease the pain and an injection may help in relieving the symptoms. However, these methods may not cure the actual problem.