Hammertoes
A hammertoe develops when a toe remains bent at one of its middle joints instead of lying flat. The condition frequently affects the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes.
Why Do Hammertoes Develop?
Muscle and tendon imbalance, foot structure, bunions, arthritis, and restrictive footwear can contribute.
A flexible hammertoe may initially straighten when manipulated, while a longstanding deformity may become rigid.
How Are Hammertoes Treated?
Treatment may include roomier footwear, padding, orthotics when appropriate, and management of painful corns or pressure areas.
Surgery may be considered for rigid or significantly painful deformities that do not respond adequately to conservative treatment.
Hammertoe FAQs
Can hammertoes be straightened without surgery?
Flexible deformities may respond symptomatically to conservative care, although treatment does not necessarily permanently correct the underlying structure.
Why is there a corn on top of my hammertoe?
The raised joint can repeatedly rub against the shoe.
Do hammertoes get worse?
They can become progressively more rigid over time in some patients.
Contact Bay Podiatry Associates
For evaluation and treatment of painful hammertoes or related foot deformities, contact Bay Podiatry Associates in Brooklyn.
Bay Podiatry Associates
8635 21 St Ave Suite 1C, Brooklyn, NY 11214
Phone: (718) 266-1986
Website: baypodiatrybrooklyn.com