Hammer Toe Specialist

What causes hammertoes?

A hammertoe is a deformity in your toe joint — usually in your second, third, or fourth toe — where your muscles and connective tissues become imbalanced. As a result, the joint closest to the base of your toe gets “stuck” in an upward position, causing your toe to resemble a hammer.

In most cases, a hammertoe forms gradually over time because your toe is a little long. When you wear snug-fitting shoes that don’t have enough wiggle room in the toes, your toe bends to conform to the shoe. Over time, your muscles permanently constrict and cannot stretch back out to relax your toe.

Other causes and risk factors for hammertoes include:

• Injury or trauma
• Older age
• Arthritis or diabetes

You can even develop the same issues in the joint closest to your toenail. This condition, called mallet toe, has similar causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Do hammertoes cause symptoms?

Not always, but if left untreated, hammertoes can become rigid or stiff, which is when they tend to start causing discomfort. Some of the most common symptoms and issues related to hammertoes include:

• Corns and calluses
• Toe joint discomfort
• Inflammation or swelling
• Redness or burning sensation

The longer you go without proper hammertoe treatment, the more likely you are to have progressive pain and discomfort. Before your hammertoe worsens, get started on your personalized therapy plan at New York City Ankle & Foot.

How are hammertoes treated?

Treating a hammertoe involves relieving any current discomfort you have and preventing permanent joint stiffness. Your hammertoe treatment plant at New York City Ankle & Foot may include:

• Padding, strapping, or taping
• Custom orthotic inserts
• Changing to roomier footwear

If your hammertoe is rigid or causing severe toe pain, it might be time to consider surgery. Hammertoe surgery involves releasing tense connective tissues, removing damaged tissues, or restructuring connective tissues. The board-certified podiatrists at New York City Ankle & Foot use minimally invasive techniques for hammertoe surgery, so you won’t have to worry about a long recovery.

Get started on your hammertoe therapy at New York City Ankle & Foot right away. Schedule your hammertoe evaluation online or call the office nearest you.