Hammertoes

Hammertoes get their name from the abnormal appearance of the toe, where a deformity in the middle joint causes it to bend downward like a hammer. Several factors contribute to their formation. Trauma to the toe—such as stubbing, jamming, or breaking it—can make it more susceptible. Age and gender also play a role; women are more likely to develop hammertoes than men, and the risk increases as you get older. Additionally, underlying conditions like arthritis and diabetes can increase the likelihood of developing this deformity.

Hammertoes can be incredibly painful and uncomfortable, but there are several ways our team can help you find relief:

Conservative Care: As a first step, custom orthotics can be used to help accommodate the toe structure and alleviate pressure. We may also recommend targeted injections to help reduce inflammation and ease your pain.

Surgical Correction: If conservative measures do not provide the relief you need, our practice can fix your hammertoe with surgery. We can surgically realign the toe's joints and tendons, correcting the deformity so you can walk comfortably again.

To help prevent this condition from forming or worsening, we recommend wearing shoes with a wide toe box that leave plenty of room for your toes, and continually updating your footwear to ensure a proper fit.

If you’d like more information on hammertoes or want to find out if conservative or surgical treatment is the right path for you, please contact our office today to schedule an appointment with our expert team.