Understanding Hammer Toes

To maintain proper foot health, awareness is essential. And being knowledgeable and informed about various conditions that can affect your feet, such as hammer toes, is essential. 

Ensuring optimal foot health extends beyond addressing issues like blisters, irritation, or discomfort in the arches. When it concerns the vital foundation of stability and mobility, there's a frequently disregarded condition that warrants our focus: hammer toes.

WHAT IS HAMMER TOES? 

Hammer toes is a common foot condition that causes one or more toes to bend at the middle joint and become stuck in a stiff, claw-like position. The condition can affect any toe on your foot, but according to Healthline, it typically affects the second or third toe.

"This deformity can affect any toe on your foot. It most often affects the second or third toe. Although a hammer toe may be present at birth, it usually develops over time due to arthritis or wearing ill-fitting shoes, such as tight, pointed heels," it said. 

Healthline added that while hammer toes are treatable, it is important to be aware of several triggers that can lead to the condition. After all, if the condition is not treated, it could lead to serious complications and discomfort. 

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?

Typically, a normal toe contains two joints that allow it to bend at the middle and bottom. However, a hammer toe occurs when the middle joint becomes flexed or bent downward. This is frequently brought on by:

  • Traumatic toe injury

A traumatic injury to the toe, such as a fracture or dislocation, can result in damage to the bones, ligaments, tendons, and surrounding tissues. If the injury is not properly treated or if healing occurs in a way that alters the alignment of the toe joints, it can lead to an imbalance in the muscles and tendons responsible for toe movement.

  • Arthritis

Arthritis can affect the ligaments and tendons that support the joints. As these supportive structures weaken or become imbalanced, they can contribute to the bending of the toe joints, leading to hammer toes.

  • High foot arch 

A high foot arch often leads to an uneven distribution of weight across the foot. The excessive pressure on the ball of the foot and the toes can cause the toes to curl downward, leading to the development of hammer toes.

  • Ill-fitting shoes

Ill-fitting shoes that are too tight and narrow don't provide enough space for the toes to spread out naturally, which can cause the toes to be crowded together. When the toes are forced into a confined space, they might overlap or become misaligned, contributing to the bending of the toe joints.

  • Bunions 

A bunion, characterized by a bony protrusion at the big toe's base, prompts the toe to tilt inward towards neighboring toes. This misalignment can disrupt foot mechanics and potentially lead to hammer toes as the pressure from the big toe causes adjacent toes to misalign and bend downward at the middle joint.

According to Healthline, there are also a few known risk factors that raise your risk of getting a hammer toe. These include:

  • a family history of hammer toe
  • chronically wearing tight or pointy-toed shoes
  • having calluses, bunions, or corns, which are thickened layers of skin caused by prolonged and repeated friction

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? 

Hammer toes are readily identifiable due to their visual aspect: the toes affected exhibit a downward bending at the middle joint, resembling a hammer or claw. Although the condition generally progresses gradually, it's essential to remain vigilant for various accompanying symptoms:

  • Pain or Discomfort
Uncomfortable pain is a frequent sign associated with hammer toes, particularly when wearing footwear or exerting pressure on the toes in question. In fact, walking with a hammer toe results in discomfort, and attempting to stretch or reposition the affected toe or its neighbors can also trigger pain.
  • Corns and Calluses:

Corns and calluses may develop at the top of the bent joint or at the tip of the toe as a result of the bent toes rubbing against shoes. The friction caused by the rubbing of the bent toes against shoes can lead to the development of painful corns and calluses.

  • Inflammation and Redness: 

The affected area may swell, become inflamed, and look red due to friction and pressure.

  • Difficulty Walking:

Over time, the flexibility of the affected toes may decrease, making it difficult to straighten them and limiting one’s range of motion.

  • Claw-like Appearance: 

Hammer toes can appear claw-like due to the way they bend at the middle joint, resembling the grip of a claw or the shape of a hammer. This bending is typically caused by a combination of muscle imbalances, ligament changes, and structural factors within the foot.  If left untreated, hammer toes can become more rigid and difficult to straighten, leading to a permanent deformity.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE HAMMER TOES

If you're dealing with hammer toes, there are several actions you can take to effectively manage the condition and alleviate discomfort.

1. Wear the Right Shoe Size

The most common cause of hammer toe is wearing shoes that are too short and narrow, resulting in tightness that forces the toe to bend upward. Healthline stated that the best preventive measure for hammer toes is wearing properly fitting shoes.

"If your shoes feel too snug, visit your local shoe store to have the length and width of your feet measured," it advised, emphasizing the importance of avoiding shoes that are overly tight or narrow.

2. Minimize High Heel Usage

One of the primary causes of hammer toes is wearing high heels. When wearing them, the toes are often forced into a downward and compressed position, which can exacerbate toe curling.

"If you wear high heels, limit the heel height to 2 inches or less. Wearing shoes with high heels increases pressure on your toes, causing them to bend. This can also lead to the formation of corns and high arches," adds Healthline.

3. Choose Proper Footwear

Opting for shoes with soft soles can aid in preventing hammer toes by offering improved cushioning, reduced pressure, and enabling more natural foot movement.

Shoes with soft insoles absorb the impact of walking, lessening pressure on the toes and forefoot. This cushioning minimizes the risk of discomfort and pain, effectively deterring the development of hammer toes.

4. Utilize Corn Pads or Felt Pads

Wearing corn pads or felt pads can prevent hammer toes by establishing a protective barrier between the toes and the interior of the shoe. These pads alleviate friction, reduce pressure, and foster a more comfortable environment for the toes.

5. Engage in Toe Exercises

Regular toe exercises can enhance toe and joint flexibility. Improved flexibility enables more natural toe movement and decreases the likelihood of rigid and bent toes, characteristic of hammer toes.

6. Select Appropriate Socks

When selecting socks to prevent hammer toes, prioritize comfort, cushioning, and effective moisture management. Avoid overly tight socks or those with constrictive elastic bands that might hinder toe movement.

For individuals aiming to prevent hammer toes, especially those with sensitive skin, consider choosing socks with smooth textures to minimize friction between the toes and fabric. As some synthetic-blend socks can be more bothersome than soothing, it's advisable to avoid options that trap heat, induce sweating, or use coarse materials that may irritate the skin.

In addition to poor fit, socks made from synthetic materials might not ensure adequate toe circulation and mobility. For those seeking socks that facilitate air circulation around the feet and reduce the risk of moisture buildup and fungal infections, hypoallergenic socks crafted from 100% organic cotton are an excellent choice.

WHY WEAR ORGANIC COTTON SOCKS? 

Organic cotton is known for its softness and comfort. Comfortable socks can promote healthy foot mechanics and natural foot movement, lowering the risk of foot deformities like hammer toes.

Our allergy-free socks, made from 100% organic cotton, are developed without harmful synthetics, toxic chemicals, and harsh elastics. They aid in symptom relief and provide warmth without latex, spandex, and even formaldehyde. They also prevent skin irritation, blisters, and flare-ups without compromising your comfort. 

To avoid aggravating your skin condition when wearing socks, switch to a more organic, safer choice by wearing pieces from our socks collection perfect for people who have sensitive skin, eczema, multiple chemical sensitivity, and other skin allergies.

  1. Latex-Free Adult Booties

    Two pairs of completely latex-free and spandex-free booties in each pack that keep your feet away from irritation.

  2. Elite Elastic-Free 100% Cotton Socks
    A perfect balance of durability and breathability that comfortably sits on the calf and remarkably stays up without any elastics.
  3. Lightweight Latex-Free Crew Socks

    Hypoallergenic organic cotton socks reduce the risks of triggering skin allergies in the absence of elastics. 
  4. Latex-Free Thigh-High Socks
    Soft, breathable, and shape-retaining organic cotton socks are designed to provide over-the-knee coverage, warmth during the cold weather, and style.
  5. Latex-Free 100% Organic Cotton Ankle Socks

    Cozy, warm, and protective socks, developed without harmful synthetics, toxic chemicals, or uncomfortable elastics.

TAKEAWAY: Hammer toes can be painful and annoying, but with the right care and attention, you can manage the symptoms and avoid further problems. It is advised to see a podiatrist or foot specialist if you think you may have hammer toes or are exhibiting any of the related symptoms. They can give you a precise diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you feel better and keep your feet healthy.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented on Cottonique is not, and will never be, intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content materials found on this site, from text, treatments, outcomes, charts, graphics, photographs, and study findings, are created and published for general informational purposes only. It should not, in any way, be construed as a standard of care to be followed by a user of the website. 

Thus, readers are encouraged to verify any information obtained from this website with other accurate references and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with their physician. As Cottonique strives to help those with allergies live with better days, the hypoallergenic apparel brand encourages everyone to always seek the advice of their physician or other qualified health providers with any questions they may have regarding a medical condition.