Hammer toes are a curling of the digits of the feet.  Specifically the middle of the toes bend downwards and from the side looks similar to a hammer.  There are other digital deformities as well like claw toes and mallet toes.   But today we will just discuss hammer toes. 

Most of the time it is an inherited foot structure that causes hammer toes.  An example of this is a flatfoot.  A person is born with a flat foot and over time the tendons that run to the toes have been working to create an arch for so long the toes permanently deform creating a hammer toe.  There are other causes but the number one cause is the flexor tendons on the bottom of the toe overpowering the other tendons.  Once the tendon imbalance occurs hammer toes are the results. 

There are a few options for treatment of hammer toes.  It is based upon the flexibility of the hammer toe.  Is the hammer toe flexible or rigid?   If the hammer toe is flexible you can release a tendon and the toe will lay flat.  However if the hammer toe is rigid you must remove a small piece of bone in order to get correction.  I also recommend looking at the foot structure that is influencing the hammer toe and correct that as well. 

If you have hammer toes and would like to discuss how I can help make an appointment with me today.  Give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today.

Sincerely, Dr. Brandon Nelson