Our Services / Hammertoe

What is a hammertoe?

A hammertoe occurs when one of your middle toes can’t lie flat due to an imbalance between the tendons and ligaments responsible for holding your toe straight.

If you have a hammertoe, don’t wait to make an appointment at NYC Footcare PC. Early intervention can reduce the risk of a permanent abnormality and difficulty walking.

Are there different types of hammertoes?

At NYC Footcare PC, the team treats several conditions that affect the toes, including hammertoe (a bend in your toe’s second joint), mallet toe (a bend in your toe’s third joint), and claw toe (a bend in your toe’s first and second joints).

Regardless of the type of toe problem you have, the team can develop a custom treatment plan to help you feel better.

What are the symptoms of a hammertoe?

Symptoms of a hammertoe include:

• One or more toe joints that remain stiff or rigid
• Pain at the top of your toe
• Pain in the ball of your foot
• Corns and calluses
• Restricted toe motion
• Swelling at your joint

As the hammertoe worsens, you might also experience an open wound or a blister due to your socks or shoes rubbing against your skin.

How is a hammertoe diagnosed?

At NYC Footcare PC, the team diagnoses hammertoes during an in-office visit.

First, your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. Then, they have you remove your shoes and socks and examine your toes. During the exam, your provider gently presses on your toes and carefully moves them to test your joint’s range of motion. 

Next, your provider orders X-rays to assess the alignment of the bones and joints in your toes. If you have diabetes, they might also order tests to see if you have neuropathy, a condition that may increase your risk of a tendon imbalance.

How is a hammertoe treated?

Hammertoe treatment depends on several factors, including your age, the severity of your symptoms, and their effect on your quality of life. Usually, the team at NYC Footcare PC recommends conservative treatments, like:

• Custom shoe inserts
• Custom orthotics
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Corticosteroid shots
• Taping your toes
• Insulating padding

If these treatments don’t provide lasting relief, the team might recommend surgery. During hammertoe surgery, your provider uses special tools to realign your toe joint, allowing it to lie flat.

To explore the various treatment options for a hammertoe, make an appointment at NYC Footcare PC by calling the nearest office or booking online today.