Hammertoes in Athletes: How Sports and Physical Activity Can Lead to Toe Deformities

At Laguna Woods Podiatry Group, serving Laguna Hills, CA, and the nearby region, Dr. Neda Arjomandi can help those who have toe deformities, such as hammertoes, from sports or other physical activity. We'd also like to educate people to help prevent this from occurring. 

What's a Hammertoe?

A hammertoe is a toe deformity that causes a bend at the middle toe joint. Typically, this issue affects the second, third, or fourth toe. It can affect one or more of your feet at once.

It specifically occurs from an imbalance between the stronger and weaker muscles in the toe.

If you suffer from this condition, you may experience any of the following:

• Restricted movement in the impacted toe(s)
• Pain when wearing shoes
• Stiffness, swelling, or redness around the toe joint
• Calluses or corns from pressure from your shoes or the ground

You're more at risk if you're a woman or suffer from diabetes or arthritis.

How Athletes Are at Risk

Your risk of hammertoes is higher if you're an athlete or participate in physical activity. Whenever you're jumping and running, you're placing a great deal of pressure on your feet and toes, which can lead to a toe deformity. 

Besides the stress you're placing on the muscles and joints during play, you could also add to the problem if you're not wearing properly fitting, supportive shoes while you're active. Non-supportive shoes don't provide adequate support, which can cause various issues and even have a domino effect, impacting multiple areas of the foot.

This isn't taking into account if the shoes are too tight in the toe box. When this happens, you may develop a toe deformity by contributing to a muscle imbalance within the toes. 

Preventing and Treating Toe Deformities

The shoes you wear while you're playing or active need to have adequate support. They should give your toes enough room to move without being too big and clunky that they increase your risk of falling.

Properly fitting orthotics, preferably ones specially designed for your feet, should be worn to give your feet enough support where they need it most.

Stretching your toes prior to exercise can help as well.

And if you should happen to start to develop a hammertoe or are noticing toe pain, schedule an appointment at our Laguna Hills, CA, office.

Contact Us for More Information

Laguna Woods Podiatry Group, serving Laguna Hills, CA, and the general vicinity, has Dr. Arjomandi who can assist if you're experiencing a hammertoe. If you don't have one, we're also able to help you prevent hammertoes as an athlete.

Call for an appointment by dialing 949-581-2520.