If this fails to resolve the pain, surgery may be warranted, which may include removing the neuroma and the nerve as well. This results in permanent numbness in the area supplied by the nerve. Hammertoes are a common condition. In most cases, these problems can be traced to improper shoes, usually those that are too short or pointed. Toes that are crowded in poor fitting shoes become permanently fixed in that position and will not straighten.
Shoes cause more pressure on the toes and cause painful corns.
Toes can be hammered at one or two joints, causing claw, mallet or hammer toes. Constant pressure due to shoes can cause corns and irritation of the toes, which can lead to swelling and pain. Changing to shoes that fit properly may slow down the progression of hammer toes unless the condition is more advanced and the toes will not completely straighten out on their own. Corns caused by the contractures can be controlled by switching to shoes that provide more room for the toes or by placing pads over the corns to relieve the pressure. If all else fails, surgery may be suggested by your podiatrist to correct the alignment of the toe, which may consist of correcting the contracture of the joint involved and releasing the soft tissues that may contribute to the deformity.