Hammertoe Specialist

What is hammertoe?

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity that occurs as a result of an imbalance in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that hold your toe straight. 

Hammertoe causes your second, third, or fourth toe to bend in a curved, hammerhead-like position. Over time, the problem may get worse and lead to corns or calluses developing on top of your toes. 

What causes hammertoe?

Podiatrists aren’t entirely sure what causes hammertoe, but there are several factors that may increase your risk, including:

• Wearing certain shoes
• Suffering foot trauma
• An abnormal balance of your toe muscles

You’re also more likely to develop hammertoe if you’re a woman or if you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic disease such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. 

What are the symptoms of hammertoe?

The symptoms of hammertoe vary from patient to patient and depend on the severity of the condition. However, telltale signs of hammertoe include:

• Inflammation
• Redness
• Burning sensation
• Contracture of the toe
• Corns and calluses
• Pain or irritation

As hammertoe gets worse, you might also develop open wounds or ulcers. 

How do you diagnose hammertoe?

To diagnose hammertoe, your Texas Foot & Ankle Specialists provider performs a physical exam and studies your toes. Your doctor also takes a series of X-rays to determine the degree of your deformity and to assess any structural changes that may have occurred. 

After gathering all of this information, your podiatrist develops a treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs. 

How do you treat hammertoe?

Treatment for hammertoe depends on the severity of your symptoms. However, the team at Texas Foot & Ankle Specialist usually recommends conservative, noninvasive treatments such as padding corns and calluses, wearing more comfortable footwear, prescription orthotics, or injection therapy. 

If these methods of care don’t provide adequate relief, surgical intervention may be necessary. During hammertoe surgery, your podiatrist carefully releases the ligament or tendon holding your toe in a bent position. 

Your podiatrist also addresses deformities such as calluses and ulcers. Prior to operating, your doctor considers factors including the extent of your deformity, the number of toes affected, your age, and activity level.

Hammertoe is a common but treatable problem. To request your consultation at Texas Foot & Ankle Specialists, PLLC, call the office nearest you or click the online booking tool today.