Hammertoes

Hammertoes or Mallet Toes are a common deformity that can affect one or more of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of the feet. Patients typically notice a bend at the joint(s) in the toe, causing a deformity. Many will feel pain, discomfort and report difficulty wearing certain shoes. Often, corns and calluses develop over the area that frequently rub in your shoe. You also may notice inflammation, warmth, redness and sometimes an open sore many develop.

Unfortunately, this condition is progressive and will likely worsen over time.

You may wonder why hammertoes develop. They typically occur due to an imbalance of the muscles and tendons that insert into the toe and are responsible for holding it straight. There are several potential causes that may contribute to the development of a hammertoe such as: underlying biomechanics/deformity, trauma, shoe gear, foot structure and some medical/disease conditions.

Evaluation usually starts with plain film X-rays of your feet. This will help our specialists better understand the architecture of your feet and appreciate any underlying pathology. A thorough clinical evaluation also provides valuable information regarding the proper treatment course. Once a diagnosis is obtained, our specialists can then present you the best available treatment options. Depending upon the severity of your condition, this may involve non-surgical or surgical intervention. Sometimes, we can even perform a minimally invasive technique in the office setting to help correct this issue to take away your pain. Come see our specialists today for proper evaluation and treatment.