Hammertoes
Hammertoes are toes that bend or curl at the middle joint, often causing pressure, rubbing, and pain in shoes. Treatment depends on whether the toe is still flexible or has become rigid.
Common Hammertoe Symptoms
Hammertoes occur when one or more smaller toes remain bent at the middle joint. Early hammertoes may still be flexible, while others can become increasingly rigid over time.
- A toe that bends downward at the middle joint
- Pain or pressure when wearing shoes
- Corns or calluses on top of the bent toe
- Redness or irritation where the toe rubs against footwear
- Difficulty straightening or moving the toe
- Discomfort when walking or standing
Why Do Hammertoes Develop?
Hammertoes can develop when the muscles and tendons controlling the toe become imbalanced, gradually pulling the joint out of its normal position. Foot structure, other toe deformities, and repeated pressure can also contribute.
- Muscle or tendon imbalance in the toe
- Inherited foot structure or mechanics
- Bunions or crowding of the smaller toes
- Arthritis or a previous toe injury
- Footwear that increases pressure on bent or crowded toes
How We Evaluate Hammertoes
The right treatment depends in part on whether the toe is still flexible or has become more rigid. Dr. Forman evaluates the position and movement of the toe, areas of pressure or irritation, and how the condition is affecting your walking and footwear.
Toe Flexibility
Whether the toe can still be manually straightened or has become rigid.
Pain & Pressure
Where the toe is rubbing, tender, or causing discomfort in shoes.
Foot Structure
Whether bunions, alignment, or other foot mechanics may be contributing.
Daily Impact
How the hammertoe is affecting walking, footwear, exercise, and everyday activities.
Hammertoe Treatment Options
Treatment depends on whether the hammertoe is flexible or rigid, how much discomfort it is causing, and how much it is interfering with footwear and everyday activities.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
For flexible hammertoes, treatment may begin with reducing pressure and irritation around the affected toe. Options may include:
- Wider shoes with a deeper toe box
- Padding or toe spacers to reduce rubbing
- Stretching and flexibility exercises when appropriate
- Custom orthotics to address contributing foot mechanics
- Footwear and activity modifications
These approaches cannot permanently straighten a fixed hammertoe, but they may reduce discomfort and pressure for some patients.
Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Correction
When a hammertoe becomes rigid, painful, or continues to interfere with footwear and daily activities despite non-surgical treatment, correction may be considered.
Dr. Forman offers minimally invasive hammertoe procedures for appropriate patients using small incisions and specialized techniques designed to improve toe alignment while limiting disruption to surrounding tissue.
- Small-incision surgical techniques
- Correction based on the type and severity of the hammertoe
- Outpatient treatment for appropriate patients
- A recovery plan based on the procedure and your activity needs
Frequently Asked Questions
Common hammertoe symptoms include a toe that bends at the middle joint, pain or pressure when wearing shoes, corns or calluses, redness, and difficulty straightening the affected toe. Symptoms may become more noticeable as the hammertoe becomes increasingly rigid.
Yes. Flexible hammertoes may initially be managed with non-surgical treatment options such as wider footwear, padding, toe spacers, stretching, or orthotics. These treatments may reduce discomfort and pressure but do not permanently straighten a rigid hammertoe.
Consider seeing a podiatrist if a bent toe is becoming painful, rubbing against your shoes, developing recurring corns or calluses, becoming difficult to straighten, or affecting how you walk. An evaluation can determine how flexible the hammertoe is and which treatment options may be appropriate.
Minimally invasive hammertoe surgery uses small incisions and specialized techniques to improve the position and alignment of the affected toe. The procedure recommended depends on the type and severity of the hammertoe and the individual patient's needs.
Recovery after hammertoe surgery varies based on the procedure performed, the number of toes treated, and the individual patient. Dr. Forman will explain expected activity restrictions, footwear, follow-up care, and recovery before the procedure.
Put Your Feet First provides non-surgical and minimally invasive hammertoe treatment in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dr. Mark Forman evaluates each hammertoe individually to determine the appropriate treatment based on flexibility, symptoms, and how the condition is affecting daily activities.
Is Your Hammertoe Making Shoes Uncomfortable?
If a bent toe is causing pain, rubbing, or making shoes uncomfortable, Dr. Forman can evaluate it and explain the right treatment options.