A hammertoe is a toe joint that bends upward permanently. Hammertoe can occur in all toes except your big toes. Hammertoes are typically a minor deformity in the beginning, but they significantly worsen if untreated.
Hammertoe doesn’t go away on its own. Once a hammertoe is well established, it's very difficult to correct it without surgery. If you're dealing with a hammertoe, sooner is always better for treatment.
Hammertoes have several causes. One common cause is wrong fitting shoes. If a shoe is too tight or puts too much pressure on the toes, it can cause deformity. Along the same lines, high heels cause hammertoes. This happens because the angle of heels puts a lot of pressure on the toes. Another cause of hammertoes is a foot injury. The trauma to the toes can develop into hammertoes.
Some signs of hammertoe to watch for include:
In severe hammertoe, you could even develop open sores that don't heal on top of your toe. If you have the signs of hammertoe, don't delay in seeing a Foot and Ankle Specialists podiatrist for help.
Diagnosis usually includes a thorough foot exam, gentle foot manipulation, and X-ray images to determine how severe the bone deformities are. With this information in hand, your Foot and Ankle Specialists podiatrist creates a custom treatment solution for your hammertoe.
Hammertoes can often be treated with a noninvasive approach, as long as you seek treatment early. Your treatment may include one or more of the following.
If your hammertoe is rigid and immovable, your podiatrist may need to perform surgery to remove excess bone, realign the toe, and correct other issues like non-healing wounds at the same time.
For relief from hammertoes, use the online scheduling tool or call the Foot and Ankle Specialists location nearest you. If you're unsure whether your symptoms require professional care, you can learn more about when to seek treatment in our guide on how to know if you should see a foot doctor.
You can schedule your visit at any of our convenient locations, including Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Los Lunas, Gallup, Las Vegas, and Taos, ensuring you receive personalized care and lasting relief.