Hammertoes FAQs

A hammertoe occurs as the result of a bend in one’s toe, which may make the toe’s profile look like an upside-down V. It is most common among the second through fifth toes but can affect any of your foot’s digits. Flexible hammertoes are still moveable at the joint, which makes them easier to treat. But rigid hammertoes are often tight and immobile, making surgery one of the leading types of hammertoe treatment.

Toes may curl for a variety of reasons, some of which are the result of health conditions and others which are not. Diabetes and arthritis can be contributing factors, while certain foot shapes can also predispose individuals to the development of joint deformities. However, some patients visit Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists with no such preexisting conditions. In many of these instances, ill-fitting shoes are the culprit behind toe curls. High heels or shoes that fit improperly can cause toes to become crowded and force them into a bent position. Over time, this pressure on toes and joints causes muscles to shorten or tighten, which minimizes mobility and causes them to curl.

Hammertoes, claw toes, and mallet toes are all conditions that affect the shape and comfort of an individual’s toes. They differ based on the joints they affect. Hammertoes occur when toes’ middle joints bend and have a hammer-like appearance. The longest of the four lesser toes is most susceptible to this condition. Similarly, the longest toe is most prone to becoming a mallet toe, which is the result of a bend in the joint nearest its tip. Claw toes differ because they usually affect all four lesser toes simultaneously. They typically bend upward at the joints that meet the feet and downward at the middle joints and joints near the tip. All three conditions cause pain and difficulty straightening the toes, with sores and calluses often present.

When you first notice discomfort or difficulty stretching your toes, you should schedule an appointment to meet with the expert podiatrists at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. Early hammertoe treatment can ensure that your condition does not worsen from the flexible variety to the rigid type. We have various treatment options available and can advise you on ways to reverse your hammertoe or prevent it from worsening.

Our team of experts has a host of options available to treat hammertoes, mallet toes, and claw toes. There are many potential treatments for each, but we will meet with you to devise a course of action unique to your condition and circumstances. To relieve stress and reduce pain, we can pad and tape your toes. This approach helps correct the imbalance and allows you to lead an active lifestyle. We can also prescribe medication to alleviate your pain while providing suggestions on footwear alterations that can help loosen your toe joints and muscles. This footwear may include custom orthotic devices. Finally, our podiatrists are board-certified foot and ankle surgeons, so we can operate if necessary.