Hammer Toes

Hammer Toe typically develop over time due to an increasing imbalance in the toe’s tendons, ligaments, and muscles. These imbalances eventually cause the toe to contract and bend at one or both of the toe’s two joints.

Hammer Toe occurs when any of the small toes of your foot become bent and prominent (stick up). The four small toes of your foot are each made up of three bones with joints in between them. Normally these bones and joints are straight. A hammer or claw toe occurs when your toe becomes bent at the first or second joint. Sometimes a bursa (like a deep blister) is formed over your joint and this can become inflamed. Callus (hard skin) or corns can also form over your joints or the end of your toe.

Symptoms of Hammer Toe

Recognising the symptoms of hammer toe is crucial for early intervention. Common signs include:

• Visible stiffness: The affected toe may appear bent at the joint, often resembling a hammer or claw. This is typically more pronounced when standing.
• Pain and discomfort: People often experience pain in the affected toe, especially when wearing shoes or doing activities that put pressure on the foot. This discomfort can range from mild irritation to sharp pain.
• Swelling and redness: The joint where the bending occurs may become swollen and red, particularly if a bursa or corn has developed. This inflammation can contribute to further pain and sensitivity in the area.
• Calluses and corns: As the toes rub against shoes or other surfaces, calluses (thickened skin) and corns (hardened growths of skin) can form on the top or end of the affected toe. These can become painful and require treatment to relieve discomfort.
• Difficulty in movement: You may find it challenging to fully straighten the affected toe. Stiffness in the joint can limit motion and worsen, making it difficult to walk or wear certain types of footwear.

Some other factors that may increase your chances of hammer toe are:

• Heredity
• Injury
• Diabetes
• Arthritis

Exercises for Hammer Toe

If you suffer from hammer toe, there are some exercises you can do to help reduce symptoms, including:

1. Toe stretches

Gently stretching your toes can help improve flexibility and relieve stiffness.

How to do it: Sit comfortably and extend your leg in front of you. Use your hands to carefully pull on your affected toe, gently straightening it. Hold this position for 15-30 seconds and repeat 3-5 times.

2. Towel curls

This exercise is a practical way to strengthen the muscles in your feet and helps you gain better control over your toe movements. 

How to do it: Start by placing a small towel on the floor. While sitting, use your toes to scrunch the towel towards you, and then push it back out. Repeat this movement for 5 to 10 sets.

3. Marble pickup

Picking up small objects can help improve toe dexterity and strengthen your foot muscles.

How to do it: Put some marbles or small balls on the floor in front of you. Use your toes to pick them up one at a time and place them in a bowl. Try to do this for 10-15 repetitions with each foot.

Surgery is an option and is where your toes may be pinned to straighten them. Other solutions include orthotics, strapping and taping. Seeing a Biomechanical Specialist will help determine the correct course of action for each individual.