Hammer Toes: What They Are and How to Treat Them

A hammer toe occurs when the middle joint of a toe becomes bent, resembling a hammer. This condition often develops due to muscle or tendon imbalances that affect toe positioning. Hammer toes may be flexible in the early stages but can become rigid over time, making treatment more complex.

Causes of Hammer Toes

• Improper Footwear: Shoes that crowd the toes, such as high heels or narrow shoes, contribute to hammer toe formation.

• Foot Structure: High arches or flat feet can increase the risk.

• Trauma: Injury to a toe can result in abnormal positioning.

• Arthritis: Inflammatory conditions may cause joint deformities.

• Genetics: A family history of hammer toes can increase susceptibility.

Symptoms of Hammer Toes

• A visible bend in one or more toe joints.

• Pain when wearing shoes or walking.

• Corns and calluses due to friction between the toe and footwear.

• In severe cases, difficulty moving the affected toe.

Treatment Options for Hammer Toes

• Non-Surgical Treatments:

• Footwear Changes: Choose shoes with ample toe room and low heels.

• Padding and Orthotics: Cushioned pads and custom orthotics relieve pressure and improve alignment.

• Stretching Exercises: Toe stretches can improve flexibility and prevent stiffness.

• Anti-Inflammatory Medications: NSAIDs can help manage pain and swelling.

• Surgical Treatments:

  Tendon Release or Transfer: Adjusts the tendons to correct the toe’s position.

  Joint Fusion: In severe cases, the affected joint may be fused to straighten the toe.

Preventing Hammer Toes

• Wear comfortable shoes with adequate room for your toes.

• Avoid prolonged use of high heels.

• Strengthen your foot muscles with exercises such as toe stretches and marble pickups.

When to Seek Professional Care If hammer toe symptoms persist or worsen, Sunshine Foot & Ankle LLC offers personalized care options to restore function and reduce pain.

3. Flat Feet: Signs, Treatment, and When to Seek Help

Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. While some people experience no symptoms, others may develop pain, instability, or gait issues.

Signs of Flat Feet

• Pain or discomfort in the arch, heel, or ankle.

• Swelling along the inside of the ankle.

• Difficulty standing on tiptoes.

• Foot fatigue or soreness after prolonged activity.

Causes of Flat Feet

• Genetics: Some people are born with flat feet.

• Injury: Trauma to the foot or ankle can damage the tendons supporting the arch.

• Obesity: Excess weight places additional strain on the arches.

• Aging: Over time, wear and tear can weaken the foot’s support structures.

• Medical Conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes may contribute to flat feet.

Treatment Options for Flat Feet

• Conservative Approaches:

• Supportive Footwear: Shoes with good arch support and cushioning can reduce strain.

• Orthotics: Custom insoles provide additional support and alignment.

• Physical Therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises can improve foot mechanics.

• Medication: NSAIDs relieve pain and inflammation.

• Surgical Interventions:

  • Tendon Repair: Strengthens or reconstructs the tendons supporting the arch.

  • Joint Fusion: Stabilizes the foot’s structure in severe cases.

When to Seek Help Flat feet that cause persistent pain or interfere with daily activities require professional evaluation. Sunshine Foot & Ankle LLC offers comprehensive care for flat feet, from custom orthotics to advanced surgical solutions.

📞 Call us today at (754) 296-5900 to schedule an appointment, or visit us at 2951 Northwest 49th Avenue, STE 204, Lauderdale Lakes, FL, ZIP 33313. Let us help you take the first step toward healthy, pain-free feet!