What causes hammertoes?

Hammertoes develop over time if there’s an imbalance in connective tissues that are supposed to keep your toes straight. In most cases, inherited foot mechanics are to blame. 

For example, if you have a second toe that’s longer than your big toe, that second toe can’t lie flat when you slip on snug or pointy shoes.

Instead, your toe has to scrunch up to be able to fit into your shoes. This trains muscles and tendons to get used to this abnormal bend, so they begin keeping your toe in this unusually bent position.

In early stages, your toe flattens back out when you switch to roomier shoes and stretch your toe. But if your toe is forced to stay bent on a regular basis, eventually, it becomes stiff and stays that way — permanently.

Occasionally, your risk of developing hammertoes is elevated due to foot trauma or injury, development of bunions, or arthritic conditions.

When should I see a podiatrist if I have hammertoes?

The highly skilled team of podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Premier Specialists encourages you to come in for an evaluation, even if your hammertoes don’t bother you terribly much. After all, they can progress over time and become increasingly painful.

It’s especially important to have a foot exam if your hammertoes are leading to any of the following issues:

• Open sores
• Corns or calluses
• Inflammation or tenderness
• Burning or electrical sensations

At Foot & Ankle Premier Specialists, your podiatrist can gather X-ray images on-site, so they can quickly get to the root of your hammertoe deformity and talk with you about which treatment options may be most effective. 

Do I need surgery for hammertoes?

Possibly, although your dedicated podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Premier Specialists is likely going to find the right combination of conservative treatments first to see if you get relief. Your nonsurgical hammertoe treatment plan may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Corn or callus removal 
• Specialized padding
• Shoe modifications
• Custom orthotics
• Physical therapy

If these conservative hammertoe treatments aren’t effective or if you have severely deformed or rigid hammertoes, your podiatrist could recommend surgery. 

Hammertoe surgery from Foot & Ankle Premier Specialists involves relieving pressure on tendons. Your podiatrist uses minimally invasive techniques to realign connective tissues and possibly remove small pieces of bone, so they can efficiently straighten out your hammertoes.

Book your hammertoe evaluation at Foot & Ankle Premier Specialists directly through the website or over the phone with your most convenient office.