Hammertoes

Hammertoes make up about one in five foot and ankle problems. At Prime Foot and Ankle Care in South Brunswick, New Jersey, Nrupa Shah, DPM, treats hammertoes to effectively reduce pain, optimize mobility, and lessen your risk of complications. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking a visit online today. 

What are hammertoes?

A hammertoe is a bend in your toe joint, causing it to curl rather than lay flat. Hammertoes are common foot concerns that often develop in the second joint of the smaller toes (not your big toes). 

In severe cases, a hammertoe freezes your toe into a curled shape, making it look like an upside-down “V” or a hammer. See Dr. Shah if your hammertoe is painful or negatively affects your mobility.

What are the symptoms of hammertoes?

Hammertoes can cause the following symptoms:

• Pain in the affected toe
• Curled toe
• Trouble moving a toe
• Swelling
• Skin discoloration
• Corns
• Calluses

The symptoms of hammertoes range in severity from mild to severe and sometimes crippling when left untreated.

What are the risk factors for hammertoes?

Risk factors for developing hammertoes include:

• Pressure placed on your toes
• Poor-fitting shoes, such as high heels
• High foot arches
• Flat feet
• Long toes
• Bunions
• Diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Wearing comfortable shoes that don’t place pressure on your feet and effectively managing any chronic diseases can reduce your risk of developing hammertoes.

How are hammertoes diagnosed?

Dr. Shah diagnoses hammertoes by evaluating your feet and toes. She reviews your medical history, discusses your symptoms, and asks about your treatment preferences and goals. She may recommend that you complete on-site foot X-rays.

How are hammertoes treated?

Treating hammertoes at Prime Foot and Ankle Care may involve one or more of the following:

• Altering your footwear
• Custom-made orthotics (shoe inserts)
• Pads
• Taping
• Toe exercises 
• Surgery

Dr. Shah may recommend surgery if conservative treatments haven’t eased your discomfort or eliminated symptoms affecting your balance and gait (the way you walk).

She follows up after treatment to ensure it’s effective and is always available to address concerns or questions. 

If you develop other foot and ankle problems that cause pain or don’t heal on their own, Dr. Shah is here to help. She treats patients of all ages struggling with lower extremity pain, mobility problems, and other disabling symptoms of foot and ankle injuries or diseases. 

Schedule an evaluation at Prime Foot and Ankle Care by phone or request a hammertoe evaluation online today.