Can hammertoe be reversed?


Can hammertoe be reversed?


The four smaller toes of your feet are composed of three small bones, connected by two joints. Hammertoe develops when tendons and ligaments — the fibrous tissues that connect muscles and bones to one another — contract. Instead of lying flat, the toes very slowly start to hump up. A bend develops in the joint between the first and second bones; the tip of the toe starts to curl up. The toe resembles a hammer, hence the name.

Hammertoe often develops in the second toe. A bunion often develops first. The bunion causes the big toe to turn inward. The big toe then pushes up on the tip of the second toe, causing it to curl over. (I’ve put an illustration of hammertoe below.)

Hammertoe is more likely to develop in people with arthritis affecting the bones of the foot. Usually, that’s osteoarthritis. Sometimes it’s rheumatoid arthritis. Neurological conditions that deaden the nerves leading to the muscles of the foot and toes also can cause hammertoes. Such conditions include diabetes (which damages small nerves of the feet), strokes, and a variety of other fortunately rare conditions.



Hammertoe can be painful and uncomfortable. If the toes remain bent for long periods, the tendons will tighten because they are not stretched to their full length. Eventually, the tendons shorten enough that the toe stays bent, even when barefoot.

Fortunately, hammertoe can be reversed. Some simple treatments include:



Most cases of hammertoe can be prevented by wearing the right shoes. If you go back to tight, pointy shoes, the condition can return even after it has been treated.


