Hammer Toe in Portland, ME
If you’ve noticed one of your toes starting to bend in the middle and rub against your shoe, you might be dealing with a condition called hammer toe. It’s more common than you’d think, and while it often starts as a small nuisance, it can become painful and debilitating over time. At Maine Foot and Ankle Specialists in Portland, Dr. Jules Bodo works with patients to treat hammer toe early, and prevent it from disrupting everyday life.
What Is Hammer Toe, Exactly?
Hammer toe happens when the middle joint of one of the smaller toes becomes stuck in a bent position. Over time, the muscles and tendons tighten, making it harder to straighten the toe. You’ll usually see it in the second, third, or fourth toes. At first, the toe may still be flexible, but if left untreated, it can become rigid and much harder to manage.
This condition is often caused by muscle imbalances in the foot, but poorly fitting shoes, foot structure, or injury can all play a role. People with bunions or high arches are also more likely to develop hammer toe.
What Does It Feel Like?
At first, hammer toe might not hurt. But as it progresses, walking, standing, and even wearing shoes can get uncomfortable. Corns or calluses often form where the bent toe rubs against footwear. In more advanced cases, the joint may swell, feel stiff, or develop chronic pain.
If you're finding yourself choosing shoes based on what won’t hurt, rather than what you want to wear, it’s probably time for a podiatric evaluation.
How Dr. Bodo Treats Hammer Toe
The good news is that early-stage hammer toe can often be treated without surgery. At Maine Foot and Ankle Specialists in Portland, Dr. Bodo will conduct a thorough foot exam to understand how the toe is affecting your movement and comfort.
Treatment may include changing footwear, using orthotics or pads to reduce pressure, stretching exercises, and in some cases, splints to help realign the toe. If the toe is rigid or causing significant pain, surgical correction may be discussed, but that’s usually reserved for cases where conservative care hasn’t helped.
Dr. Bodo takes a personalized approach, helping patients find the least invasive, most effective solution for their needs and lifestyle.
Don’t Let One Hammer Toe Throw Everything Off
Hammer toe doesn’t go away on its own, and waiting too long can make it harder to treat. The earlier you catch it, the more options you have to keep your feet healthy and pain-free.