Hammer toe: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency care if the toe suddenly becomes cold, very pale, blue, or numb, particularly with severe pain.

   These signs may mean that blood flow is reduced.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek prompt medical advice for a blister, crack, or open sore on the toe, especially if you have diabetes, reduced sensation, or poor circulation.

   Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, or fever may indicate infection and should be assessed urgently.

   A toe that looks badly out of position after an injury also needs urgent assessment.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment if:

   • Toe pain keeps returning or affects walking
   • You cannot find shoes that fit without rubbing
   • The toe is becoming more bent or rigid
   • A corn repeatedly becomes painful
   • You are unsure whether the change is hammer toe or another foot problem
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hammer toe. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.