How Having Hammertoe Affects Your Gait

Sep 02, 2023

It’s hard to ignore the telltale signs of hammertoe. After all, it makes a toe bend at an awkward angle that resembles a hammer. However, this deformity causes more problems than just a visual issue. Read on to learn more.

People often shrug off problems that seem cosmetic, especially if they involve the feet. However, having hammertoe is a bigger deal than just the visual aspect of the deformity. While this condition isn’t life-threatening, it can compromise the structural integrity of your feet, which can interfere with your ability to walk properly.

At Advanced Care Foot and Ankle in Corona and Ontario, California, our providers know that healthy feet provide a stable foundation for your entire body. If you have hammertoe, here’s how our team can help.

How to spot hammertoe

Hammertoe is a condition in which the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the affected toe become imbalanced. This causes the toe to stick up at the base of the foot and then bend down at the middle joint, making the toe look like a hammer.

This condition often falls into one of three categories:

  • Flexible hammertoe, which is the beginning stage, and the toe can bend somewhat
  • Semi-rigid, in which the toe begins to stiffen
  • Rigid hammertoe, in which the toe no longer bends because tissues tighten

Hammertoe can cause issues at any of these stages, especially when you try to walk.

The problem with hammertoe

You have 26 bones and 33 joints in each foot. All of your toes — except the big toe — have three joints. These joints give your toes the ability to bend, flex, spread, and contract. These movements play a key role in support, balance, and mobility.

If the middle joint of the toe doesn’t bend correctly, a variety of issues can arise, such as:

  • Pain when wearing shoes
  • Pain in the affected toe or ball of the foot
  • Stiffness, redness, and swelling
  • Corns, calluses, and other skin irritations from friction

In general, this condition can hamper a person’s ability to walk, run, or enjoy activities that engage the affected toe. Since hammertoe can worsen with time, our team recommends getting treatment as soon as you notice a problem. That way, we can help you avoid more serious problems in the future. 

If you have hammertoe, it’s also crucial to see an expert if you also have other conditions that affect sensation or circulation in your feet, such as diabetes. These issues can jeopardize your feet and increase your risk for serious complications.

Treating hammertoe

If caught early, hammertoe often responds to conservative treatments, such as:

  • Changing to roomier shoes that provide comfort and support
  • Using shoe inserts or custom-made orthotics
  • Taping your toes to correct muscle imbalances
  • Insulating the toe with padding to reduce pressure
  • Adopting a stretching and strength training program that focuses on your toe muscles

For more advanced cases of hammertoe, or for patients who don’t respond to conservative treatments, we may recommend surgery.

Surgical treatments for hammertoe can vary depending on the type and extent of your condition. However, these outpatient procedures often require 4-6 weeks of recovery time. While you have to limit your activities during this time, you can usually put weight on your foot immediately after surgery.

Do you have hammertoe? Our team can give you a thorough evaluation and discuss your next steps. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Advanced Care Foot and Ankle today.