Hammer Toe

A hammertoe is an abnormal bend in the joint of a toe. Foot and ankle specialist Benjamin Clair, DPM, at Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center in McKinney, Texas, recommends getting treatment for a hammertoe as soon as you notice the upward bend in the toe. Early treatment for hammertoe may prevent the need for surgery. Call today or use the online booking button to schedule an appointment.

What should I know about hammertoe?

Hammertoe is a type of foot deformity that affects the second, third, or fourth toe. With hammertoe, the joint in the toe points upward and looks like a hammer. The abnormal bend in the toe may cause pain or lead to the formation of corns or calluses. 

During the early stages of hammertoe, the joint is flexible and you can straighten out the toe without surgery. When left untreated, the toe becomes rigid and requires surgery.

If you have an abnormal bend in your toe, schedule an appointment at Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center. Hammertoe is a progressive condition and worsens over time. 

How did I get hammertoe?

Hammertoe develops from an imbalance in strength between the muscle and tendon of the joint. When there’s an imbalance, the tendon pulls on the toe joint, causing it to point upward. 

The muscle and tendon imbalance typically occurs from an underlying structural or neurological problem in the foot. Wearing shoes that cramp the toes may aggravate the condition. You can also develop hammertoe if your toe is too long and you wear shoes that force it to bend.

Some people may develop hammertoe following a foot injury, and others may inherit the foot deformity.

What can I expect during an evaluation for hammertoe?

You can expect a patient-focused exam from Dr. Clair at Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center for your hammertoe. Dr. Clair asks about your concerns, and he reviews your medical and family history.

He examines your feet and performs various tests to reproduce the contraction in the toe. Dr. Clair also does X-rays at the office to determine the severity of the deformity.

What are the treatments for hammertoe?

Treatment for hammertoe depends on the severity of the deformity. Dr. Clair customizes your plan, recommending treatments that provide the best outcomes.

Treatment options for hammertoe include:

• Using foot pads to prevent corns and calluses
• Changing your footwear
• Orthotics that improve tendon and muscle balance
• Taping the toe
• Exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Steroid injections

If you have rigid hammertoe or nonsurgical treatments fail to alleviate your symptoms, Dr. Clair may recommend surgery to fix the contracture. He may lengthen the tendon, perform a tendon transfer, or fuse the toe joint. 

Call Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center today or book an appointment online to learn more about treatment options for hammertoe.