How hammertoe treatment changes walking and foot pressure
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Treatments on Gait Biomechanics in Patients With Hammertoe Deformities
This study tests whether conservative or surgical treatments for people with hammertoes change foot pressure during walking and improve symptoms and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Harlingen, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT07166016 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Hammertoe deformities can cause pain, altered gait, and increased plantar pressure that may raise the risk of foot ulcers. Participants with hammertoes will undergo either conservative care or surgical correction as determined by their clinician and will have gait and plantar pressure measured before treatment and three months after. The study compares peak plantar pressures and walking parameters between pre- and post-treatment visits to see whether interventions reduce forefoot loading and symptoms. Results aim to guide clinicians on which approaches best lower pressure and potentially prevent ulceration.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults who have confirmed hammertoe deformities (claw or hammer toe) with MTPJ hyperextension and distal symmetric sensory neuropathy, can walk unaided, and do not have active foot ulcers are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with non-hammertoe foot deformities, peripheral vascular disease, active foot ulcers or edema, significant lower-limb musculoskeletal problems, inability to walk unaided, or prior foot surgery are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could show which treatments best lower forefoot pressure, reduce pain, and help prevent foot ulcers in people with hammertoes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior reports indicate surgical correction can reduce plantar pressures and pain in hammertoe patients, but direct comparisons with conservative care are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Confirmed distal symmetric sensory neuropathy. * MTPJ hyperextension deformity. * Claw or hammer toe deformity in toes. Exclusion Criteria: * Non-hammertoe foot deformities affecting metatarsal head pressure. * Limited joint mobility, lower-limb amputation, or Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy. * Peripheral vascular disease * Non-diabetic neuropathies * Significant lower-limb musculoskeletal issues * Rheumatoid arthritis * Current foot ulcer or edema * Inability to walk unaided * MRI contraindications * Morton's neuroma * History of foot surgery
Where this trial is running
Harlingen, Texas
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley — Harlingen, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hafizur Rahman, PhD
- Email: hafizur.rahman@utrgv.edu
- Phone: 956-296-2035
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.