Hammer Toe Treatment

Correction for bent and crooked toes

Board-certified podiatrists
Same-day appointments
Most insurance accepted

Book Appointment Call (321) 723-3500

About Hammer Toe Treatment

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs when the muscle and ligaments around the toe joint become imbalanced, causing the toe to bend at the middle joint. This condition most commonly affects the second, third, or fourth toe and can cause pain, corns, calluses, and difficulty wearing shoes.

Common Symptoms

Toe bending downward at the middle joint

Pain or irritation when wearing shoes

Corns or calluses on the top of the toe

Redness and swelling at the joint

Difficulty moving the affected toe

Pain in the ball of the foot

Open sores in severe cases

Common Causes

Wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes
Toe injuries or trauma
Muscle imbalance from nerve or muscle damage
Arthritis
Genetic predisposition
Bunions affecting toe position
High arch feet

Treatment Options

1Conservative Treatment

Proper Footwear: Shoes with roomy toe boxes and low heels
Toe Exercises: Stretches to maintain joint mobility
Padding and Cushioning: Gel pads to reduce friction
Custom Orthotics: Inserts to correct muscle imbalance
Toe Splints or Straps: Devices to realign the toe
Corn and Callus Care: Managing secondary skin problems

2Surgical Treatment

When conservative treatments don’t provide adequate relief, surgical correction may be recommended. Modern surgical techniques are minimally invasive with faster recovery times.

Tendon Transfer: Moving tendons to straighten the toe
Joint Resection: Removing part of the bone to straighten the toe
Fusion (Arthrodesis): Permanently straightening by fusing the joint
Implant Arthroplasty: Using an implant to correct the deformity

When to See a Podiatrist

See a podiatrist if you have persistent pain in your toes, if you can no longer straighten your toe, if you develop corns or calluses on your toes, or if your toe problems interfere with walking or daily activities.