Do you have a toe that just doesn’t seem to lie flat anymore, causing it to rub uncomfortably against your shoe? This is a sign of hammertoe, a condition where one or more of your smaller toes take on an abnormal bend at the middle joint.
At Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center in Phoenix and Maricopa, Arizona, our team specializes in restoring comfort and mobility for patients with hammertoe. We provide expert diagnosis and a broad range of effective solutions, from custom orthotics to surgical correction.
A slightly bent toe may seem minor at first, but without proper care, it can progress to a more painful issue over time. Here, we explore the differences between flexible and rigid hammertoe and what that means for your foot health.
Hammertoe is a relatively common condition, accounting for roughly one-fifth of all reported foot and ankle problems. It develops when an imbalance in muscles and tendons causes the middle joint of the toe to bend, so the toe resembles the head of a hammer striking down.
Different factors can contribute to this imbalance. Genetic predisposition can play a role. For instance, people with long toes, high arches, or flat feet may be more susceptible to hammertoe. Certain underlying conditions can increase your risk, such as arthritis, diabetes, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Years of wearing ill-fitting shoes that force the toes into a bent position — especially high heels or shoes with cramped, pointed toe boxes — can also cause the muscles and tendons to tighten up in response.
Whatever the cause, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as you notice a problem.
A flexible hammertoe is the milder form of the condition. At this point, even though the toe has started to bend, you can still easily push it flat to straighten it.
You might not have any other symptoms, or you may be starting to experience some discomfort, particularly when you wear shoes. You may also notice rough patches of skin — corns or calluses — forming on the bent joint or at the tip of the toe due to the constant friction.
Recognizing a hammertoe while it’s still flexible is crucial. When we can catch it early, we can often prevent it from progressing with simple, nonsurgical treatment options, such as:
Being mindful of your footwear choices can also make a big difference. Well-fitting shoes with deep, wide toe boxes give your toes plenty of space to lie flat without being cramped or rubbing.
If you find you can no longer gently straighten or move the affected toe, it’s considered a rigid hammertoe. This advanced stage develops when a flexible hammertoe goes without treatment and the soft tissues surrounding the joint shorten, permanently holding the toe in a bent position.
Symptoms become more severe with a rigid hammertoe. The toe may be painful even when you’re not wearing shoes, and larger, more painful corns and calluses can develop. Hammertoe can also affect your balance, alter your gait, or make it difficult to walk or stand comfortably.
Surgery is often necessary to correct the bend and restore proper toe alignment. The good news is that it’s typically a simple outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home the same day to begin your recovery.
If you’re dealing with persistent toe pain or stiffness, early intervention is essential to avoid potential complications like rigid hammertoe that require more aggressive treatment. Contact Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center today to schedule an appointment with our team so we can help you find relief.
