How To Spot Hammertoe

Problems Walking

Hammertoe causes some patients to develop problems walking. Orthopedists can assess the severity of gait issues by observing the patient as they walk around the exam room. To rule out other conditions that could cause walking trouble, the orthopedist might check the patient's reflexes, sensation, and muscle tone. Patients may notice they have more walking difficulties in high heels and similar types of shoes that provide inadequate space for the toes and cause rubbing between the toes and the shoe. To reduce pressure on the toes and prevent a hammertoe from getting worse, clinicians recommend that individuals choose shoes with heels of no more than two inches, and footwear with a deep, wide toe box can also help. Shoes with laces or straps are often easier on the feet than flip flops or shoes without backs which typically offer little or no support for the foot. Toe splints, heel wedges, padding, and other types of shoe inserts may make walking easier for some patients. In addition to footwear changes and orthotics, it is important for the patient to spend a portion of the day without wearing shoes. If the bend in the toe is still flexible, physical therapy exercises that strengthen the extensor muscles (the muscles that pull the toes upward) could help to improve the patient's comfort while walking.

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