Hammer Toe

Without treatment, a hammertoe can lock in a bent position, making it hard to stand or walk. At Podiatry Institute of the South, the team of board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons offers high-quality care for hammertoes, including physical therapy, orthotics, and when necessary, surgery. Call the nearest office in Senatobia, Mississippi, West Memphis, Arkansas, or Memphis, Millington, or Bartlett, Tennessee, to make an appointment or book online today. 

What is a hammertoe?

A hammertoe occurs when one of your middle toes stays bent in a curved position.

Normally, a group of ligaments, muscles, and tendons help your toe lie flat. But if you injure yourself or experience general wear-and-tear, these soft tissues become weak. That weakness causes your toe to bend, increasing your risk of other problems, like corns, calluses, and blisters.

What are the symptoms of a hammertoe?

The symptoms of a hammertoe include:

• A stiff toe joint
• Toe pain
• Pain in the ball of your foot
• Corns, calluses, or blisters on your toe joint
• Redness and inflammation
• A burning sensation

If you have diabetes or another health problem that affects your circulation, you might also develop an open wound or infection.

When should I see a podiatrist about a hammertoe?

Make an appointment with the team at Podiatry Institute of the South if you have a swollen or irritated toe that affects your mobility or quality of life. It’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible because a hammertoe gets progressively worse over time.

How is a hammertoe diagnosed?

To diagnose a hammertoe, your Podiatry Institute of the South provider reviews your medical records and asks about your hammertoe, including when you first noticed it, if certain activities irritate it, and if you’ve tried any at-home treatments.

Next, your provider completes a podiatry exam. They look at your toe for redness, swelling, or bruising, and carefully move your toe from side to side. Your provider also checks your joint’s range of motion and takes a series of X-rays. If you have diabetes, they might also conduct special tests to check for nerve damage.

How is a hammertoe treated?

Treatment of a hammertoe depends on various things, including your age, the severity of the bend in your toe, and your symptoms. At Podiatry Institute of the South, the team usually recommends minimally invasive measures, including:

• Custom orthotics
• Corticosteroid injections
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication
• Taping your toes
• Wearing insulated padding
• Physical therapy

If your hammertoe doesn’t respond to these less invasive treatments, the team might recommend surgery. During hammertoe surgery, your Podiatry Institute of the South provider uses special tools to realign your joint. That helps your toe lie flat, restoring your mobility.

Call the nearest Podiatry Institute of the South office to make an appointment for hammertoe treatment or book online today.