Don’t ignore hammer toe: it can turn into a deadly infection

Hammer toe is a common foot deformity that can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty walking. In some cases, hammer toe can also lead to infection. This is because the deformed toe can create a pressure point that rubs against the inside of the shoe, causing irritation and inflammation. If the skin breaks down, bacteria can enter and cause an infection.

What are the symptoms of a hammer toe infection?

The symptoms of a hammer toe infection can include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Pus or drainage
• Fever
• Chills

What causes a hammer toe infection?

A hammer toe infection is caused by bacteria entering the skin through a break in the skin. This can happen if the toe is injured, if the skin is dry and cracked, or if the toe is constantly rubbing against the inside of the shoe.

Who is at risk for a hammer toe infection?

Anyone can get a hammer toe infection, but some people are at higher risk than others. These include people with:

• Diabetes
• Peripheral artery disease
• Neuropathy
• Foot deformities
• A weakened immune system

How is a hammer toe infection treated?

The treatment for a hammer toe infection will depend on the severity of the infection. In some cases, a simple course of antibiotics may be enough to clear up the infection. However, in more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and correct the hammer toe deformity.

How can I prevent a hammer toe infection?

There are a number of things you can do to prevent a hammer toe infection, including:

• Wearing shoes that fit well and do not rub against the toes
• Keeping the feet clean and dry
• Moisturizing the feet regularly
• Protecting the feet from injury
• Managing any underlying medical conditions that can increase the risk of infection

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any of the symptoms of a hammer toe infection, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent the infection from becoming more serious.

In a nutshell

Hammer toe infection is a serious condition that can lead to a number of complications. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, most hammer toe infections can be successfully treated. If you have any of the symptoms of a hammer toe infection, it is important to see a doctor right away.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Can hammer toe get infected?

A: Yes, hammer toe can get infected if the skin breaks down and bacteria enter the wound.

Q: What are the symptoms of a hammer toe infection?

A: The symptoms of a hammer toe infection can include pain, swelling, redness, warmth, pus or drainage, fever, and chills.

Q: What causes a hammer toe infection?

A: A hammer toe infection is caused by bacteria entering the skin through a break in the skin.

Q: Who is at risk for a hammer toe infection?

A: Anyone can get a hammer toe infection, but some people are at higher risk than others, including people with diabetes, peripheral artery disease, neuropathy, foot deformities, and a weakened immune system.

Q: How is a hammer toe infection treated?

A: The treatment for a hammer toe infection will depend on the severity of the infection. In some cases, a simple course of antibiotics may be enough to clear up the infection. However, in more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and correct the hammer toe deformity.

Q: How can I prevent a hammer toe infection?

A: There are a number of things you can do to prevent a hammer toe infection, including wearing shoes that fit well and do not rub against the toes, keeping the feet clean and dry, moisturizing the feet regularly, protecting the feet from injury, and managing any underlying medical conditions that can increase the risk of infection.

Q: When should I see a doctor?

A: If you have any of the symptoms of a hammer toe infection, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent the infection from becoming more serious.