What Causes Hammertoe And How To Prevent It
Hammertoe is a joint foot deformity that can cause pain and adversely affect your quality of life. Understanding what causes hammertoe and its prevention methods is crucial for maintaining foot health.
This article explores the factors contributing to hammertoe development and provides practical strategies to prevent this condition.
Understanding Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a deformity typically affecting the second, third, or fourth toes. It occurs when the toe's middle joint bends, causing the toe to resemble a hammer. This condition can be flexible in its early stages but may become rigid if left untreated.
What Causes a Hammertoe?
Several factors can contribute to the development of hammertoe:
Muscle Imbalance
When the muscles that control toe movement become weakened or injured, it can lead to an imbalance that causes the toe to bend abnormally.
Ill-fitting Shoes
Wearing too tight shoes, particularly in the toe box, can force the toes into a bent position. High heels can exacerbate this problem by pushing the toes forward.
Genetics
Unfortunately, some people may be genetically predisposed to developing hammertoe due to inherited foot structure or muscle weakness.
Trauma
Injuries to the toe, such as stubbing or breaking it, can sometimes lead to hammertoe formation.
Arthritis
Certain types of arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, can cause joint deformities, including hammertoe.
Neurological Conditions
Nerve conditions are one of the main causes of hammertoe. Diseases affecting the nerves, such as diabetes or stroke, can lead to muscle weakness and hammertoe development.
Age
Muscles and tendons become less flexible as people age, so they’re also more likely to develop this condition.
Preventing Hammertoe
Some risk factors for hammertoe are beyond our control. However, there are different preventive measures you can follow to reduce your chances of developing this condition:
Wear Proper Footwear
The most crucial step in preventing hammertoe is wearing shoes that fit correctly:
Choose shoes with a broad, deep toe box that allows your toes to lie flat.
Avoid high-heels shoes or footwear that squeeze your toes.
Ensure a half-inch space between your longest toe and the shoe's tip.
Exercise Your Toes
Prevent hammertoe with regular toe exercises that can help maintain flexibility and strength:
Toe curls: Lay a clean towel on the floor and use your toes to crunch it towards you.
Marble pickup: Practice picking up marbles with your toes.
Toe stretches: Pull your toes back towards your ankle, holding for 10 seconds.
Use Proper Orthotic Devices
Custom orthotic devices or over-the-counter insoles can help distribute the pressure evenly across your foot. Because of this, the strain on your toes reduces.
Keep a Healthy Weight
Excess weight adds more pressure on your feet, increasing the risk of foot problems. Keeping a manageable weight can help reduce this stress and significantly hasten hammertoe correction.
Manage Underlying Conditions
If you have diabetes, arthritis, or other conditions that affect foot health, properly managing these conditions is crucial in preventing complications like hammertoe.
Regular Foot Inspections
Examine your feet regularly for any signs of developing problems. Early detection of this foot condition leads to more effective treatment and prevention of hammertoe progression.
Avoid Going Barefoot
Wearing shoes or slippers around the house can support your feet and reduce the risk of injury that could lead to hammertoe.
Professional Foot Care
Regular visits to a podiatrist can easily identify potential foot problems early and provide personalized advice for foot care. These proactive steps can also prevent hammertoe.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you notice any of the following signs, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional:
Persistent pain in your toes or feet
Difficulty finding comfortable shoes due to toe deformity
Corns or calluses developing on your toes
Inability to straighten your toe
Wearing appropriate footwear, maintaining foot strength and flexibility, and addressing underlying health conditions can significantly reduce your risk of developing hammertoe.
Walk Better With Prime Foot and Ankle Specialists
At Prime Foot and Ankle Specialists, we believe that your feet carry you through life. Hence, caring for them is an investment in your overall health and well-being.
Let’s discover what causes hammertoe through early intervention. We can keep your condition from progressing and offer non-surgical treatment options. You can avoid its development with proper knowledge and preventive measures.
If you have concerns about your foot health, don't hesitate to ask for professional advice from our podiatrists or foot care providers. Book an appointment today!
