Short answer: Hammertoes are not directly inherited, but the foot structure that leads to them can be. If hammertoes run in your family, you might be at risk. It’s important to monitor your feet for any buckling toes so you can treat them early with methods like custom orthotics.
Why Hammertoes Develop
Hammertoes occur when one or more of your toes bend downward at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like appearance. This bending results from an imbalance in the muscles and tendons surrounding the toe joints. Over time, this imbalance causes the toe to stay in a bent position. Factors like high arches, flat feet, or arthritis can contribute to these imbalances, leading the toes to buckle. People with longer second toes compared to their big toe might also notice hammertoes developing. While hammertoes themselves are not directly inherited, the foot shape and mechanics that cause them often run in families. If you notice family members with bent toes, you may want to pay closer attention to your own feet.
What You Can Do at Home
To manage or prevent hammertoes at home, start by wearing supportive footwear. Choose shoes with a wide toe box to give your toes plenty of room to move. When you try on shoes, make sure there is a half-inch space from the tip of your longest toe to the end of the shoe. Avoid shoes with narrow tips or high heels because they can push your toes into a bent position, aggravating the condition. Soft, flexible materials can help reduce pressure on your toes, so consider shoes made from leather or mesh.
Additionally, performing regular foot exercises can be beneficial. Try using your toes to pick up small objects like marbles or a towel; these exercises can strengthen the small muscles in your feet and improve flexibility. Stretching your toes manually, by using your hands to bend and extend them, can further help maintain their mobility. Consider rolling your foot over a tennis ball to stretch out your arches and relax the muscles in your feet.
How a Podiatrist Can Help
A podiatrist can provide a thorough evaluation of your foot structure to determine if you are developing a hammertoe. This typically involves checking the flexibility and alignment of your toes and assessing muscle strength. During the examination, the podiatrist might ask you to move your toes and evaluate your response to touch. If hammertoes are detected early, custom orthotics might be recommended. These are specially designed shoe inserts that provide support for your arches and improve the foot’s overall alignment, which can help slow the progression of hammertoes.
In more advanced cases, a podiatrist might suggest splinting or padding to give your toes some relief and prevent further deformity. Toe splints can help hold the toes in a more natural position, while padding can reduce pressure points inside your shoes. For severe or painful hammertoes that do not improve with conservative treatments, surgical options may be considered. Surgical procedures may involve repositioning the toe joint or removing small pieces of bone to realign the toe.
When to See a Podiatrist
Pain in your toes or feet that does not go away, even after at-home care
Noticeable bending, buckling, or curling of the toes
Swelling, redness, or irritation around the affected joints
Difficulty walking or finding comfortable shoes
Signs of infection such as warmth, redness, or drainage around the toe
Development of corns or calluses on top of the bent toes due to friction
If you are worried about developing hammertoes or if they are becoming painful, it might be time to see a podiatrist. At DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center, we can evaluate your condition and discuss the possible hammertoe correction options that best suit your needs. Our approach may include custom orthotics or recommend treatments that enhance the health and function of your feet. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re in the Houston or Cypress area and need professional help.
