Hammer Toes

A hammer toe is a toe that is contracted at the PIP joint (middle joint in the toe) and can lead to severe pressure and pain. Ligaments and tendons that have tightened cause the toe’s joints to curl downwards. Hammer toes may occur in any toe, except the big toe. There is often discomfort at the top part of the toe that is rubbing against the shoe.

Hammer toes are classified based on the mobility of the toe joints. There are two types – flexible and rigid. In a flexible hammer toe, the joint has the ability to move. This type of hammer toe can be straightened manually. With rigid toe joints, movement is limited and can be extremely painful. This sometimes causes foot movement to become restricted leading to extra stress at the ball-of-the-foot, possibly leading to pain and the development of corns and calluses.

Hammer toes result from a muscle imbalance which causes the ligaments and tendons to become unnaturally tight. This may be the result of overly tight shoes which put too much pressure on the tops of the toes. Arthritis can also lead to many different forefoot deformities, including hammer toes.

Wearing the correct shoe is a very important step in the treatment of hammer toes. When choosing a shoe, make sure the toe box (toe area) is high and broad, and can accommodate the hammer toes. This ensures less friction against the toes. We carry shoes with Stretchable Leather to relieve pressure on the affected area. Foot Solutions offers a broad range of these shoes, ideal for any occasion.

We offer other treatments, including forefoot products designed to relieve hammer toes, such as hammer toe crests and hammer toe splints. These devices will help hold down the hammer toe and provide relief to the forefoot. Gel toe shields and gel toe caps are also recommended to eliminate friction between the shoe and the toe, while providing comfort and lubrication.