Hammertoes — Relief, Correction & Prevention with Foot & Ankle Specialists
A hammertoe is a deformity where one or both joints of a lesser toe bend abnormally, pressing upward or downward instead of lying straight. Over time, this misalignment leads to pressure, pain, and stiffness. At About Feet Podiatry Center, we treat hammertoes daily, offering experienced non-surgical and surgical options that general providers often lack.
Why you should see us early
- Foot and ankle focus only — not distracted by other joints.
- Earlier intervention can mean less invasive care while toes are still flexible.
- Faster access to expert care — get seen quickly and start a plan.
How hammertoes develop and when they become a problem
Hammertoes often start gradually:
- Muscles or tendons pull the toe into a crooked position
- Shoe pressure or toe crowding accelerates the deformity
- Over time, joints can become rigid and less responsive to conservative care
Common symptoms
- Pain or irritation in shoes
- Corns or calluses on top of the toe, between toes, or on the ball of the foot
- Inflammation, redness, swelling, or burning sensations
- Persistent bending of the toe
- In advanced cases, open sores or ulceration
Left untreated, a once-flexible hammertoe can become rigid, painful, and harder to correct.
Our hammertoe treatment approach
We match intervention to your severity, goals, and overall foot mechanics — no blanket solutions.
Conservative (non-surgical) care
- Shoe modifications with wider toe boxes and soft uppers
- Protective pads or cushions
If symptoms persist despite these steps, we will discuss procedural or surgical options.
Surgical and procedural options
- Minimally invasive toe correction techniques
- Open reconstructive toe surgery (osteotomies, joint realignment, tendon balancing)
- Joint fixation or fusion when deformity is severe or painful
- Soft tissue releases or tendon transfers to rebalance forces
Many toe surgeries are performed in our in-office surgical suite. Most hammertoe procedures do not require sedation, and many allow immediate weight-bearing under safe protocols — making recovery smoother than most patients expect.
We explain each option’s risks, expected recovery, and whether it suits your toe.
When you should contact us
- Ongoing pain in shoes
- Corns, calluses, or sores
- Toe becoming rigid and less flexible
- Difficulty wearing shoes or changes in gait
- No relief despite pads, shoe changes, and stretches
Delaying care can worsen the deformity and lead to joint damage or secondary problems.
Start your hammertoe correction today
We will assess how your toe is misaligned, explain why it hurts, lay out non-surgical and surgical options, and guide your recovery so the toe functions properly.
📞 Call (610) 524-3338
Insurance plans accepted
Please call our office if you do not see your plan listed.
