Hammer Toe

Hammertoe is a progressive foot deformity that causes abnormal contracture of the toes. If you notice that your toe is bent like a hammer, then schedule your visit with our foot health experts at Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney. Led by Mojgan Tavakoli, DPM, FACFAS, ABPM, and Horst Knapp, DPM, FACFAS, our practice offers some of the latest techniques and technologies to ensure the best outcome for your toe health.

What Are The Symptoms Of Hammertoe?

Hammertoe is a condition that causes either your second, third, or fourth toe to take on an abnormal shape, bending at one or both of the joints. The abnormal contracture caused by hammertoe can make it difficult to do daily activities, such as wearing shoes or walking. Many symptoms of hammertoe include:

Inflammation and swelling
Burning pain and tenderness
Redness
Constant friction against your toe can cause corns and calluses to develop
Difficulty moving the toe naturally or the toe is severely rigid

Hammertoe is a progressive condition that tends to get worse over time. In the early stages of hammertoe, your affected toe contracts but remains flexible. As the condition progresses, your toe becomes more rigid and the toe can become permanently deformed.

If you notice symptoms of hammertoe, it's important to seek medical care as soon as possible. Early detection increases your chances of successful nonsurgical treatment.

What Causes Hammer Toe?

Hammer Toe is caused by an imbalance between the tendons on the top and bottom of the toe. Several factors can contribute to this imbalance, including wearing tight-fitting shoes or previous toe injuries. You may be more prone to developing hammertoe if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, nerve and muscle damage, or have an inherited foot disorder like a high arch foot or abnormal toe lengths.

Our Podiatrists Can Straighten Your Hammertoe

How your hammertoe is treated depends on the severity of your condition. Before your doctor recommends treatment, they perform a physical exam and discuss your symptoms. Your doctor may also conduct imaging tests, like an X-ray, to fully evaluate your condition.

If your hammertoe is still flexible and in the early stages, your doctor may recommend conservative treatments, including:

Padding and taping the toe to reposition it
Splinting or bracing the toe to keep it straight
Footwear changes to wider or deeper shoes that provide plenty of room for the toes
Orthotics, such as a shoe insert to help keep the toe in a proper position
Therapeutic exercises to stretch and strengthen the toe muscles

Conservative treatments like functional orthotics help slow down the progression of your hammertoe. In some cases, treating flexible hammertoe with orthotics helps the affected toes straighten and correct themselves.

If your condition is more advanced, you may need surgery to effectively correct your hammertoe.

What If I Need Surgery?

Your doctor may recommend surgery if your hammertoe is too rigid or causes significant pain. At Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney, we offer procedures that correct hammertoe effectively and safely. Your surgery may involve releasing and repositioning tight tendons, fusing the joints in the toe, or removing pieces of your bone in order to straighten the toe. Your doctor will work with you to determine the right surgery for your condition. To speak with one of our expert podiatrists about your treatment options, schedule your consultation today.

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY

Hammer Toe

What Are The Symptoms Of Hammertoe?

What Causes Hammer Toe?

Our Podiatrists Can Straighten Your Hammertoe

What If I Need Surgery?

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