Hammertoe Treatment & Surgery in AZ | Arizona Foot & Ankle Center

Understanding Hammertoes

Hammertoe is a condition characterized by a bending deformity of one or both joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth (little) toes. This abnormal bending can create pressure on the toe when wearing shoes, leading to complications.

Hammertoes typically begin as mild deformities and worsen over time. In the early stages, they are usually flexible, and symptoms can often be managed with non-invasive treatments. However, if left untreated, hammertoes can become more rigid and may no longer respond to nonsurgical interventions.

Given the progressive nature of hammertoes, it is important to seek early treatment. Hammertoes do not improve on their own without some form of intervention.

Common Causes of Hammertoes

The most common cause of hammertoe is an imbalance in the muscles or tendons of the foot. This imbalance can lead to the bending of the toe and results from either mechanical (structural) changes or neurological changes over time in some individuals. Hammertoe can also develop if a toe is too long and is forced into a cramped position by wearing tight shoes.

In some cases, hammertoe may occur due to a previous injury to the toe. Additionally, it can run in families, as some people may inherit the condition.

Signs You Have a Hammertoe

The most common signs and symptoms of hammertoes include:

Pain or irritation of the affected toe when wearing shoes.
Corns and calluses (a buildup of skin) on the toe, between two toes, or on the ball of the foot.
Inflammation, redness, or a burning sensation
Contracture of the toe
Open sores, in more severe cases

How Hammertoes Are Diagnosed

Hammertoes are usually easy to identify, but to diagnose the condition accurately, the foot and ankle surgeon will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms and examine your foot. During the physical examination, the doctor may manipulate your foot to reproduce your symptoms and will assess the tightness of your toes. Additionally, the surgeon may take X-rays to evaluate the extent of the deformities and any changes that may have occurred.

Hammertoes are progressive—they don’t go away or improve by themselves and usually they will get worse over time. However, not all cases are alike—some hammertoes progress more rapidly than others. Once your foot and ankle surgeon has evaluated your hammertoes, a treatment plan can be developed that is suited to your needs.

Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment Options

There is a variety of treatment options for hammertoe. The treatment your foot and ankle surgeon selects will depend upon the severity of your hammertoe and other factors.

A number of nonsurgical measures can be under taken:

Padding corns and calluses: Your foot and ankle surgeon can provide or prescribe pads designed to shield corns from irritation. If you want to try over-the-counter pads, avoid the medicated types as they may contain a small amount of acid that can be harmful.
Changes in footwear: Avoid shoes with pointed toes, shoes that are too short, or shoes with high heels—conditions that can force your toe against the front of the shoe.
Orthotic devices: A custom orthotic device placed in your shoe may help control the muscle/tendon imbalance.
Injection therapy: Corticosteroid injections are sometimes used to ease pain and inflammation caused by hammertoe.
Medications: Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation.
Splinting/strapping: Splints or small straps may be applied by the surgeon to realign the bent toe.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary for hammertoe, especially if the condition has become more rigid and painful, or if there is an open sore present. Patients with hammertoe often have bunions or other foot deformities corrected at the same time. When choosing the appropriate procedure, your foot and ankle surgeon will consider factors such as the severity of your deformity, the number of toes affected, your age, your activity level, and other relevant factors.

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Take the Next Step Toward Hammertoe Pain Relief

Our team of surgeons is dedicated to restoring comfort, mobility, and confidence for every patient. Whether you’re managing hammertoes or another complex foot or ankle condition, we combine advanced diagnostic technology, minimally invasive techniques, and personalized care to achieve lasting results. With a patient-first philosophy and decades of surgical expertise, we’re here to help you move forward—comfortably and without compromise.

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