Hammertoes make your toes look like an upside-down V when looking at them from the side. The first joint (close to the base of the toe) is affected by a deformity in which there is abnormal development of muscle tissues. The causes include: 
- Genetics – it can be hereditary.
- Trauma via injury.
- Arthritis, which affects the joint.
- Wearing shoes that are too tight.
Hammertoes are not always painful, but can become painful if left untreated. Symptoms associated with hammertoes include swelling and redness, pain at the base of the toe, pain when you try to move the toe, and development of a painful corn on top of the V of the toe. If you catch it early, and the hammertoes can be straightened out, they are considered flexible hammertoes. This can be treated with padding and taping. However, hammertoes that become rigid may need other treatment such as surgery if they really affect quality of life.
When hammertoe symptoms are mild, you can try some at-home treatments:
- For pain and swelling, use an ice pack several times a day.
- For corns or blisters that cause pain, you can buy or make a hammertoe pad (gauze or cotton for cushioning) to put on the top of the bent toe.
- When you have a corn or callus, use a pumice stone after a warm soak to file it down.
- Get footwear that is taller near the toes and more cushiony. This will remove the factor of shoes making the deformity worse. It will also lower the pressures on the toes.
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Do physical therapy exercises that stretch and strengthen the toes, such as picking up and moving objects around.
If home remedies do not help, come see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. Some treatment options he may suggest include:
- Padding and taping the toes. This will help to straighten the toes and protect from painful impact or blisters.
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for pain relief, or a cortisone injection for severe pain or swelling.
- For severe cases, treating hammertoes may require surgery.
Make an appointment to find out what the appropriate treatment should be by calling (410) 721-4505. Our team is ready to assist you at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.