Hammertoe

Painful, Bent Toes Making Walking Difficult?

Hammertoe is a common toe deformity that causes one or more toes to bend abnormally at the middle joint, creating a curled or "hammer-like" appearance. As the deformity progresses, the affected toe may become rigid, painful, and difficult to straighten.

Many patients initially notice cosmetic changes, but over time hammertoes can lead to pain, corns, calluses, shoe irritation, difficulty walking, and worsening deformity.

At Edge Podiatry, we provide comprehensive treatment for hammertoes, ranging from conservative care and custom orthotics to advanced surgical correction when necessary.

What Causes Hammertoes?

A hammertoe develops when the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that control toe movement become imbalanced. Over time, this imbalance causes the toe to remain in a bent position.

Common causes include:

• Tight-fitting shoes

• High heels

• Genetics

• Flat feet

• High arches

• Bunions

• Abnormal foot mechanics

• Arthritis

• Previous trauma or injury

• Neuromuscular disorders

When shoes repeatedly force the toes into a bent position, the tendons may gradually tighten and lose their ability to straighten the toe.

Symptoms of Hammertoes

Symptoms may include:

• Bent or curled toes

• Pain when walking

• Corns on the tops of toes

• Calluses between toes

• Redness and irritation

• Difficulty fitting into shoes

• Pain beneath the ball of the foot

• Swelling around the toe joints

• Progressive stiffness

As the deformity worsens, the toe may become rigid and increasingly difficult to correct without surgery.

Why Early Treatment Matters

In the early stages, hammertoes are often flexible and can respond well to conservative treatment.

However, as the deformity progresses, the joints become more rigid and permanent changes occur within the tendons and surrounding structures.

Early treatment may help:

• Reduce pain

• Prevent worsening deformity

• Improve shoe comfort

• Prevent corns and calluses

• Delay or avoid surgery

Conservative Treatment Options

Many patients experience significant relief without surgery.

Treatment options may include:

Shoe Modifications

Shoes with a wider toe box can reduce pressure and irritation on the affected toes.

Padding and Offloading

Protective pads may help reduce friction and relieve pressure points.

Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics can improve foot mechanics and address underlying causes such as flat feet, instability, and abnormal pressure distribution.

At Edge Podiatry, we utilize advanced 3D scanning technology to create custom orthotics tailored specifically to your feet.

Stretching and Physical Therapy

Exercises may help maintain flexibility and improve muscle balance in the foot.

Anti-Inflammatory Treatment

Medication and other therapies may help reduce pain and inflammation.

Hammertoe Surgery

When conservative treatment no longer provides relief or the deformity becomes rigid, surgical correction may be recommended.

The goal of surgery is to:

• Straighten the toe

• Relieve pain

• Eliminate pressure points

• Improve shoe fit

• Restore function

What Happens During Hammertoe Surgery?

Hammertoe surgery is typically performed through one or more small incisions.

Depending on the severity of the deformity, the procedure may involve:

• Tendon lengthening

• Tendon transfers

• Soft tissue balancing

• Joint release procedures

• Removal of a small portion of bone

• Joint fusion procedures

• Stabilization with temporary pins or specialized implants

In some cases, a temporary pin may extend from the tip of the toe and is removed in the office several weeks after surgery without the need for another procedure.

Recovery After Hammertoe Surgery

Most hammertoe procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.

Recovery typically involves:

• Surgical shoe or walking boot

• Limited activity initially

• Swelling control

• Follow-up visits

• Gradual return to normal footwear

Many patients return to daily activities relatively quickly, although complete healing may take several weeks.

Comprehensive Forefoot Reconstruction

Hammertoes often occur alongside other foot deformities such as:

• Bunions

• Flat feet

• Metatarsalgia

• Arthritis

• Neuromas

At Edge Podiatry, we evaluate the entire foot rather than simply treating the affected toe. Addressing the underlying cause often provides the most durable and successful long-term outcome.

Schedule an Evaluation

If you are experiencing toe pain, corns, calluses, difficulty wearing shoes, or progressive toe deformities, contact Edge Podiatry today.

Our team will perform a comprehensive evaluation and develop a personalized treatment plan that may include conservative care, custom orthotics, padding, shoe modifications, or advanced surgical correction. Early treatment can help prevent progression and keep you comfortably on your feet.