Hammertoe Treatment in Beaver, PA & Greater Pittsburgh

Hammertoes can be painful, frustrating, and surprisingly easy to ignore—at least at first.

You may notice a toe starting to curl or bend, a painful spot developing where it rubs against your shoe, or a corn or callus appearing on top of the toe. Over time, what started as a minor annoyance can make walking and finding comfortable shoes much more difficult.

And while hammertoes are sometimes confused with bunions, they are different foot deformities.

A bunion develops when the joint at the base of the big toe becomes misaligned, creating a noticeable bump along the inside of the foot. A hammertoe, on the other hand, occurs when one or more of the smaller toes develops an abnormal bend, usually at the middle joint.

If you are experiencing a painful or increasingly rigid toe, the team at Foot & Ankle Associates of Greater Pittsburgh can evaluate your feet and determine the right treatment approach for you.

Can Hammertoes Get Worse?

They can.

A hammertoe may initially be flexible and cause little discomfort. As the deformity progresses, however, the toe can become more rigid and increasingly difficult to straighten.

The constant pressure and friction created by a bent toe can also lead to corns, calluses, blisters, and painful areas of irritated skin. In more advanced cases, the discomfort can interfere with walking and make everyday shoes difficult to wear.

That is why it is worth having a hammertoe evaluated when you first notice changes rather than waiting until the toe becomes significantly painful or rigid.

Conservative Hammertoe Treatment

If your hammertoe is flexible or causing mild to moderate symptoms, non-surgical treatment may help reduce discomfort and prevent the problem from becoming more troublesome.

Treatment options may include:

• Wider, properly fitting shoes: Choosing footwear with a roomy toe box can reduce pressure on curled toes.
• Hammertoe pads: Padding can help protect the toe from friction and pressure inside your shoe.
• Custom orthotics: Orthotics can help improve foot support and address certain mechanical issues that contribute to abnormal pressure on the foot.
• Activity modifications: Adjusting activities that increase pain may help reduce irritation.
• Ice: Applying ice may help temporarily reduce pain and swelling.
• Avoiding high heels: Limiting shoes with elevated heels can reduce pressure on the front of the foot and toes.

The goal of conservative care is to relieve symptoms, improve comfort, and address contributing factors whenever possible.

Hammertoe Surgery

When a hammertoe becomes rigid, severely painful, or does not respond adequately to conservative treatment, hammertoe surgery may be considered.

There are several surgical techniques available, and the appropriate procedure depends on the type and severity of the deformity.

Joint Fusion

For some patients, surgery involves removing damaged surfaces of the affected joint and positioning the toe straight while the bones heal together. A temporary pin or another type of fixation may be used to maintain proper alignment during healing. In some cases, a small screw may be used to stabilize the toe.

Tendon Transfer

A tendon transfer may be appropriate in certain cases, particularly when the toe is still flexible. This procedure changes the pull of the tendons around the toe to help improve its alignment.

Joint Resection

Another surgical approach involves removing part of the affected joint to help straighten the toe. Temporary fixation may be used while the toe heals.

Your foot and ankle specialist will evaluate your toe and discuss the available surgical options if surgery becomes appropriate. The goal is to address the deformity while helping reduce pain and improve your ability to walk comfortably.

When Should You See a Podiatrist for a Hammertoe?

You do not have to wait until your toe becomes severely painful before seeking treatment.

Consider scheduling an evaluation if you notice:

• A toe becoming increasingly bent or curled
• Persistent toe pain
• Corns or calluses that keep returning
• Pain when wearing your usual shoes
• Difficulty finding comfortable footwear
• A toe that is becoming difficult to straighten
• Changes in the way you walk because of foot pain

Early evaluation can help identify the cause of your symptoms and determine whether conservative treatment may be appropriate.

Get Treatment for Hammertoes in Beaver, PA

You shouldn’t have to choose between painful toes and shoes you actually want to wear.

If you are dealing with a hammertoe or another painful foot deformity, the team at Foot & Ankle Associates of Greater Pittsburgh is here to help. We provide comprehensive foot and ankle care for patients in Beaver, PA, and the Greater Pittsburgh area, with treatment tailored to your individual needs.

Whether you need conservative care or are considering hammertoe surgery, we can evaluate your condition and help you understand your treatment options.

Call Foot & Ankle Associates of Greater Pittsburgh at 724-774-1525 or fill out our online form today to schedule an appointment.