At the Podiatry Institute of Southern California, Albert A. Nejat, DPM, FACFAS, frequently treats patients dealing with painful foot deformities.
One of the most common issues we see at our office in Culver City, California, is hammertoe, a condition where a toe joint bends abnormally, causing the toe to curl downward instead of lying flat.
While several factors can contribute to this condition, one of the biggest culprits is fashionable, yet damaging, footwear.
High-heeled shoes are a primary contributor to the development of hammertoes. When you wear high heels, your body weight shifts forward onto the balls of your feet, forcing your toes into the front of the shoe.
This position places immense pressure on the toe joints. In fact, a 3-inch heel can increase the pressure on the front of your foot by 75%.
Most high heels also feature narrow, pointed toe boxes that squeeze your toes together into an unnatural position. Over time, this constant pressure can cause an imbalance in the muscles and ligaments that are supposed to keep your toes straight.
The toe muscles tighten, and the toe becomes stuck in a bent, hammer-like shape. Initially, the toe may remain flexible, but without intervention, it can become rigid and fixed in that position.
While footwear is a major cause, other factors can increase your risk of developing hammertoes. These include:
A second toe that is longer than the big toe, high arches, or flat feet can make you more susceptible.
Stubbing, jamming, or breaking a toe can lead to the development of a hammertoe.
Arthritis and diabetes can affect your foot health and increase your risk.
If you are experiencing pain or have noticed a change in the shape of your toes, seek professional care. Dr. Nejat provides a comprehensive evaluation to determine the best course of treatment.
For flexible hammertoes, conservative treatments are often effective. We may recommend:
Switching to shoes with a wider toe box and lower heels can relieve pressure.
We can create custom inserts to support your foot and properly position your toes.
Gentle exercises can help stretch the tendons and muscles in your foot.
We can show you how to use pads or tape to relieve pain and guide the toe into a straighter position.
If the hammertoe has become rigid and painful, surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity. Dr. Nejat will discuss all available options to find the solution that is right for you.
Don’t let foot pain keep you from living your life to the fullest. To learn more about hammertoe treatment, call us at the Podiatry Institute of Southern California or request an appointment online today.
