Hammertoe Treatment | United Foot & Ankle Surgeons

Wiki Article

You may have hammertoe if one of your toes has started to curl downward, making it painful to walk or wear shoes. It’s more common than people realize—and the good news is, it’s treatable.  At United Foot & Ankle Surgeons, we help patients just like you get back to comfortable movement with both non-surgical and minimally invasive surgical solutions.

 Our goal?  To ease your pain, improve your mobility, and make sure your feet support your lifestyle—not hold it back.

 What is Hammertoe, Really?

Hammertoe is a condition in which one of the smaller toes, typically the second, third, or fourth toe, bends at the middle joint. This joint begins to resemble a hammer when it becomes stuck in a bent position. At first, it might be flexible and not too painful.  But as it stiffens, it can lead to real discomfort, corns, rubbing, and shoe troubles.

 What Causes It?

 There’s no one-size-fits-all cause, but these are the usual suspects:

•  Shoes that don’t fit well, especially tight ones or high heels

•  Muscle imbalances in the foot that pull the toe into an unnatural position

•  Genetics, if your family has a history of foot structure issues

•  Injuries or trauma to the foot or toe

•  Health conditions like arthritis or diabetes that affect the muscles and nerves

 Common Symptoms of Hammertoe

 Many patients notice that a toe begins to feel strange or painful, especially when walking.     Additional symptoms include: A visible bend in the toe joint

•  Redness, swelling, or pain

•  Corns or thickened skin on top of the toe

•  Trouble fitting into shoes

•  Feeling like your toe is "locked" in place

•  These issues tend to get worse over time if not treated.

 How We Treat Hammertoe at United Foot & Ankle Surgeons

 We start by really listening.  Everyone’s experience is a little different, and we believe your treatment plan should reflect that.  Here’s how we typically approach it:

 First, We Try Non-Surgical Solutions

 If your hammertoe is still flexible, we’ll explore conservative treatments that might help you avoid surgery altogether.  These may include:

•  switching to shoes that are more roomy and supportive orthotics made just for you that          conform  to the shape of your feet

•   Stretching and strengthening exercises to balance foot muscles

•  Taping or padding to reduce friction and ease pain

•  Many patients find great relief from these small changes.

 When You Need Surgery 

If the toe is stuck or continues to hurt, surgery may be the best option.  That sounds scary, but we make it easy.  At United Foot & Ankle Surgeons, we specialize in minimally invasive hammertoe correction.  That means small incisions, less downtime, and a faster recovery.

 Depending on your case, we might perform:

•  Tendon release or transfer to allow the toe to straighten

•  resection of the joint, in which a small amount of bone is removed Fusion, which locks the toe in a straightened position

•  You’ll likely walk out of surgery on the same day—sometimes even with minimal pain.

 Why Our Patients Choose United Foot & Ankle Surgeons

 We understand you have options when it comes to foot care.  But here’s why people continue to choose us:

•  Specialized expertise in hammertoe and other foot deformities

•  Techniques that are less invasive and speed up recovery Customized care plans, built around your body and your life

•  Patients across the region rely on them for expert, compassionate care. Our lead specialist, Dr.  T.J.  Ahn, is known for his patient-first approach and impressive outcomes.  We don’t rush decisions—we listen, explain, and guide you through every step.

FAQs

 How long does it take to recover from hammertoe surgery?

 Most people are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they heal.  You’ll be walking within a few days and may wear a surgical shoe for 2–3 weeks.  Full healing usually takes 6–8 weeks.  We will check in during that time to see if everything is going according to plan. Can hammertoe disappear by itself? Unfortunately, it cannot, no. While early symptoms may come and go, the toe deformity typically gets worse over time.  That’s why it’s so important to catch it early and start treatment before surgery becomes necessary.

 What are the risks of surgery?

 Any surgery comes with small risks, like infection, stiffness, or nerve sensitivity.  But at our clinic, complications are rare.  We walk you through everything beforehand, and our techniques are designed to reduce risks and speed up healing.

 What should I do if I think I have hammertoe?

 Make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible, especially if the pain is affecting your daily life. The sooner we see it, the better your chances of avoiding surgery.  At your appointment, we’ll take X-rays if needed, talk through your symptoms, and discuss the best next steps for you.

 Final Thoughts

 Living with hammertoe can be frustrating—but it doesn’t have to be permanent.  Whether you’ve just noticed a bend or have been dealing with the pain for years, there are effective treatments available.

 At United Foot & Ankle Surgeons, we’re here to help you find relief.  From simple shoe changes to advanced minimally invasive procedures, our team has the experience and compassion to guide you through it.

 If you’re ready to walk comfortably again, don’t wait.