Hammer Toe Specialist

What is a hammertoe?

A hammertoe is a deformity of your toe. The condition may make you feel embarrassed about the appearance of your foot and can cause significant pain.

Hammertoe is an unnatural contracture of one or more joints in your toe. It comes in three basic types that affect different joints in your toe. 

For example, a hammertoe is a contracture in the joint furthest from the tip of your toe. In contrast, a mallet toe is a contracture that affects the joint closest to the tip of your toe. The third form, a claw toe, is a contracture in both toe joints.

What causes hammertoe?

The cause of hammertoes isn’t straightforward and often depends on the individual. An array of conditions and factors may lead to the condition, including:

• Trauma
• Family history
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Diabetes
• Bunions
• Poorly fitting shoes

The way you walk and your arch also may affect whether you get a hammertoe or not.

Can you prevent hammertoe?

You can try precautionary measures, such as avoiding wearing sky-high stilettos, if hammertoes run in your family. Unfortunately, most people don’t take these sorts of actions until the damage has occurred. The good news is that conservative treatment measures at Dan Preece, DPM & Darren Groberg, DPM, can address this damage and relieve pain.

What are my treatment options for hammertoe?

The team at Dan Preece, DPM & Darren Groberg, DPM, suggests starting with conservative methods to maximize your comfort and prevent further damage to your foot. You can begin by:

• Wearing customized orthotics
• Avoiding narrow-toed shoes
• Wearing extra socks for padding
• Buying shoes made of flexible materials
• Ordering custom shoes (recommended with diabetes)

Other options include bracing devices. Bracing devices help to temporarily straighten your toe, protect the top of your toe, and lift the end of your toe off the ground.

If these conservative measures don’t help, the team at Dan Preece, DPM & Darren Groberg, DPM, can discuss surgical options to address the damage to your foot, improve the appearance of your toe, and relieve your discomfort.

Get the high-quality care you deserve for a hammertoe. Call Dan Preece, DPM & Darren Groberg, DPM, today or book your consultation online to discuss your treatment options.