Introduction
Hammertoes are more than a cosmetic foot issue — they can lead to chronic pain, corns, calluses, and difficulty walking. Interestingly, this condition is more common in women than in men. Why? The answer lies in a combination of biology, lifestyle choices, and footwear habits.
At Sole Foot and Ankle, your trusted podiatrist in Valparaiso, Indiana, we frequently treat women dealing with painful hammertoes. In this article, we’ll explore what causes hammertoes in women, how to spot the early signs, and what treatment options can help you get back on your feet — pain-free.
Key Takeaways
- Women are more prone to hammertoes due to structural foot differences and shoe choices.
- High heels and narrow shoes are significant contributors to this condition.
- Genetics, injury, and underlying foot deformities can also play a role.
- Early treatment by a podiatrist can prevent worsening deformity and pain.
- Conservative and surgical options are available for long-term relief.
What Are Hammertoes?
Hammertoes occur when the toe becomes permanently bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. This abnormal position puts pressure on the toe’s joints, tendons, and soft tissues. While any toe can be affected, it most commonly impacts the second, third, or fourth toes.
Why Are Women More Susceptible to Hammertoes?
Several factors contribute to the higher incidence of hammertoes in women:
1. Footwear Choices
- High Heels & Pointed Shoes: These styles crowd the toes and push them forward unnaturally. Over time, this can shorten tendons and lead to muscle imbalance, causing the toe to bend permanently.
- Lack of Arch Support: Fashionable flats often lack arch support, which leads to instability and added strain on the toes.
2. Genetics
- Women are more likely to inherit foot structures like flat feet or high arches, which can contribute to hammertoe formation.
- Family history of bunions, hammertoes, or ligament laxity increases risk.
3. Structural Differences
- Women tend to have more flexible joints and a narrower forefoot, both of which make the toes more prone to shifting over time.
- Hormonal influences, especially during pregnancy or menopause, can affect ligament strength and foot alignment.
Other Contributing Factors
| Cause | How It Affects the Toe |
|---|---|
| Trauma or injury | Disrupts joint alignment, especially if untreated |
| Arthritis | Inflammation weakens joints and leads to deformities |
| Bunions | Can crowd and push adjacent toes out of position |
| Poor-fitting shoes | Restricts toe movement and alters tendon function |
| Age | Muscles and ligaments naturally weaken over time |
Early Signs of Hammertoes in Women
Recognizing symptoms early makes treatment easier. Watch for:
- Pain in the toe when wearing shoes
- Corns or calluses forming on the top or tip of the toe
- Swelling, redness, or inflammation around the joint
- Restricted or painful toe movement
If you notice these signs, visiting a podiatrist in Valparaiso can make all the difference.
Treatment Options: What Can Women Do About Hammertoes?
Conservative Treatments
- Footwear changes: Choose shoes with a wide toe box and good arch support.
- Orthotics: Custom orthotics from your local Valparaiso podiatrist can correct alignment and relieve pressure.
- Toe splints or pads: Help realign the toe and ease discomfort.
- Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen toe muscles and stretch tendons.
When Is Surgery Needed?
When conservative care no longer helps or the deformity becomes rigid, surgery may be necessary. Procedures can involve tendon release, joint realignment, or bone removal, depending on severity.
Choosing the Right Care in Valparaiso, Indiana
Whether you’re in the early stages of hammertoe or dealing with long-standing discomfort, the team at Sole Foot and Ankle is here to help. We take a personalized approach to care, offering everything from non-invasive therapies to advanced surgical solutions.
Our goal? Help you walk, run, and live without foot pain — just like we’ve done for hundreds of women in our Valparaiso community.
A Note from Sole Foot and Ankle
At Sole Foot and Ankle, we understand how frustrating foot conditions like hammertoes can be — especially when they interfere with your lifestyle. Our team, led by expert podiatrist Dr. Harpreet Minhas, offers tailored treatment plans to help you regain comfort and confidence.
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