If you have a hammertoe, one or more toes next to the big toe are curved. The small joints in the toe are bent so that the toe is similar to a hammer. Because it can cause the shoe to rub against the top of the toe, a sore hardening is often formed there, an ear of so-called corn.
You can get hammer toe if you had too-tight shoes. But the cause is often unknown. For example, it is more common if you have a parent with a hammertoe.
It is also common to have an oblique big toe, so-called hallux valgus. Sometimes you get a hammertoe because one toe is much longer than the others and therefore easily gets caught in the shoe and becomes curved.
Symptoms of hammertoe
When you have a hammertoe, one or more toes are curved. When the toe is curved, the top can push against the shoe, which hurts. It is common for the pressure to harden and to harden. You may also experience pain in the forefoot.
When and where should I seek care?
Contact a health care center if you have major problems with hammertoe and it is not enough to take care of them yourself or with the help of a foot therapist.
What can I do for myself?
The pressure on the toe decreases if you have shoes that are spacious at the front. You can also be helped by having a shoe insert, a so-called plot. You can buy posts for example at the pharmacy or in a healthcare store. There you can also find small soft joints that can reduce the pressure on the toe.
It can feel nice if you bathe your feet in foot baths, lubricate them with softening ointment and file down the hardens. Sometimes it can be good to get help from a foot therapist.
Treatment of hammertoe
You may need surgery if you have major problems. Then the doctor removes a piece of the bone in the toe, and sometimes a bit of the hardening. You will have local anesthesia during the operation and you can usually go home immediately afterward.
After the surgery, you may be given painkillers for a few days, as the toe can be quite swollen and hurt. It may be good to rest your foot as high as possible during the first few days. The stitches and bandages are usually removed by a district nurse after about two weeks. The healing after surgery often takes three to four months.
Influence and participate in your care
You can seek care at any medical center or open specialist clinic you want throughout the country. Sometimes a referral to the open specialized care is required.
You should understand the information
In order for you to be involved in your care and treatment of hammertoe, it is important that you understand the information you receive from the healthcare personnel.