Hammer Toe in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

A hammer toe is a toe that bends up at the middle joint, while the end of the toe points down. The problem usually happens to the second toe.

A hammer toe can hurt a lot, especially as the toe rubs against the shoe when your child walks. Shoes that are too tight can cause hammer toes. If a shoe forces a toe to stay bent for a long time, the muscles in the toe get tight and the tendons that connect the muscles to the bone get shorter. Over time, the muscles cannot straighten the toe. Sometimes, diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis also can cause hammer toes.

Early treatment can help your child's toe straighten before it gets badly bent. Your child can wear roomy shoes and use pads to keep the toe from rubbing against their shoe. If the toe is badly bent, your child may need surgery to straighten it.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Have your child wear shoes that have lots of room in the toes.
• Follow your doctor's directions for putting a splint on your child's toe, if your child is given one.
• Gently stretch your child's toe with your fingers.
• Use toe pads or corn cushions to keep your child's toe from rubbing against their shoe. This may keep a corn from forming on the top of the toe.
• Have your child wear a shoe insert, or orthotic, to cushion the bottom of the bent toe.