Introduction
Hammer toes are one of the most common lesser toe deformities, affecting thousands of people across London.
This painful condition occurs when the toe bends abnormally at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like appearance. While some people are born with toe abnormalities, the majority of hammer toe cases develop during adult life, particularly affecting the second toe.
Causes of Hammer Toes
Hammer toes develop due to mechanical failure of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, where the toe connects to the foot. Several factors contribute to this condition:
Primary Causes:
- Long second metatarsals compared to the first
- Hallux valgus deformities (bunions)
- Tight calf musculature
- Rupture of the plantar plate structure
Risk Factors:
- Inappropriate footwear, particularly high-heeled, thin-soled shoes
- Previous inadequate surgery on the big toe
- Age-related changes in foot structure
- Genetic predisposition
Hammer Toes Symptoms
In the early stages of hammer toe development, patients typically experience pain under the ball of the foot, which is often the first and most unpleasant symptom, present with every step.
There is localised swelling around the affected toe joint, and patients often find that barefoot walking is more uncomfortable than wearing cushioned shoes. High-heeled, thin-soled shoes typically cause the worst discomfort.
As the condition progresses, the toe rapidly deforms due to plantar plate rupture. Initially, this may provide some relief from ball-of-foot pain, but this improvement is usually temporary.
Eventually, patients develop renewed pain in the ball of the foot, and the toe begins rubbing against shoes, causing significant discomfort. Finding comfortable footwear becomes increasingly difficult, and corn and callus formation often develop from the constant friction.
Hammer Toes Treatment
Effective hammer toe treatment requires accurate diagnosis and understanding of the underlying biomechanical causes. Treatment approaches can be divided into non-surgical and surgical options.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-surgical treatment focuses on symptom relief and preventing progression through careful footwear modifications. Professional advice on appropriate shoe selection is essential, with patients advised to avoid high heels and narrow toe boxes whilst choosing shoes with adequate depth and width.
Protective measures play a crucial role in non-surgical treatment, including the use of silicone sleeves to reduce pressure and rubbing, toe spacers and cushioning, and custom orthotic devices when appropriate.
Regular podiatric treatment of corns and calluses helps manage pressure-related skin problems and prevents complications through ongoing maintenance.
Hammer Toe Surgery
When non-surgical treatment fails to provide adequate relief, surgical intervention may be recommended. Hammer toe surgery involves correction of the deformed toe structure whilst addressing underlying mechanical causes and simultaneously providing treatment of associated conditions such as bunions.
The procedure can be performed under local or general anaesthesia and often requires temporary wire placement for four to six weeks.
Important Considerations: It’s crucial to address any associated bunion deformity simultaneously, as operating on a hammer toe without correcting an underlying bunion will not provide successful long-term results.
Why Choose LFAC?
Hammer toe deformities generally worsen over time without appropriate intervention. The temporary inconvenience of treatment, including post-surgical wire placement, is often far outweighed by the long-term benefits of correcting the underlying mechanical problem.
The LFAC team understands that each hammer toe case is unique, requiring individualised assessment and treatment planning. We ensure that all underlying causes are properly investigated and addressed as part of your comprehensive treatment plan.
Early diagnosis and the right treatment plan can make all the difference in your recovery and long-term mobility. Using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, we create personalised treatment plans designed to get you back to pain-free movement as quickly as possible.
Our flagship clinic is based at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital in St John’s Wood, but we also offer world-class orthopaedic care at leading locations across London, including:
- London Bridge Hospital
- The Cromwell Hospital
- HCA Chiswick Outpatient & Diagnostic Centre
- New Victoria Hospital
- HCA UK Canary Wharf Clinic
- OneWelbeck
- The Lister Hospital
Wherever you choose to visit us, you can expect expert treatment, cutting-edge facilities, and a commitment to your recovery. Book your consultation today and take the first step towards lasting relief.
