Hammertoes

A hammertoe is a toe that bends downward at the middle joint instead of lying flat, so it looks a little like a hammer. It usually develops when the muscles and tendons around the toe fall out of balance, and over time it can become stiff, painful, and hard to fit into shoes. At Upperline Health, our podiatry team diagnoses hammertoes and offers treatments that range from simple footwear changes to surgery when it is needed.

Caught early, while the toe is still flexible, hammertoes can often be managed without surgery. The key is relieving the pressure and addressing what is pulling the toe out of position.

What Is a Hammertoe?

A hammertoe is a deformity in which a toe bends downward at the middle joint rather than lying flat. It happens when the muscles and tendons that control the toe become unbalanced, and it most often affects the second, third, or fourth toe. Common signs include:

•       A toe that bends or curls instead of lying flat

•       Pain or pressure, especially inside shoes

•       Corns or calluses on top of the bent joint

•       A toe that becomes harder to straighten over time

In the early stages a hammertoe is usually flexible and can still be straightened by hand; left untreated, it can become rigid. If your main symptom is burning pain or numbness in the ball of the foot rather than a bent toe, that may be a neuroma instead.

What Causes Hammertoes?

Hammertoes are caused by an imbalance in the muscles and tendons around the toe, which pulls the joint out of its normal position. Several things make that more likely:

•       Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes that crowd the toes

•       Foot structure and mechanics, including bunions and flat or high arches

•       Arthritis affecting the toe joints

•       A previous toe injury

•       Genetics, which can make some people more prone to them

A Connected Approach to Hammertoe Care

At Upperline Health, your hammertoe care is part of one connected team. Our podiatry providers work alongside the doctors you already see, so your foot health is coordinated with the rest of your care rather than treated in isolation.

Through Upperline Plus, you also have an extra layer of support between visits, helping you stay on track with your plan and get answers when you need them. You do not have to manage this on your own.

Treatment Options for Hammertoes

Treatment depends on whether the hammertoe is still flexible or has become rigid. Your provider will almost always start with conservative options and consider surgery only when those are not enough:

•       Footwear changes: shoes with a wider, deeper toe box to take pressure off the toe.

•       Custom orthotics and padding: inserts and pads that relieve pressure, improve alignment, and can slow progression.

•       Splints, straps, and exercises: for flexible hammertoes, these can help hold the toe in a better position and keep the joint mobile.

•       Treating related corns and calluses: easing the thickened skin that forms over the bent joint.

•       Hammertoe surgery: for rigid or painful hammertoes that do not improve, surgery can realign the toe; minimally invasive techniques may be an option in some cases.

Conservative care can relieve symptoms and slow a hammertoe down, but it will not straighten a toe that has already become rigid — that is when surgery is considered. Your provider will help you decide what makes sense for your situation.

What to Expect From Your Care

Your provider will examine the toe, check whether it is still flexible or has become rigid, ask about your symptoms and footwear, and may use imaging to look at the joint. From there, you will get a clear explanation and a plan that usually begins with conservative care. If surgery is recommended, your provider will walk you through the procedure and what recovery looks like.

Why Choose Upperline Health

Patients choose Upperline Health for foot and ankle care because it is focused, coordinated, and built around you. Our podiatry providers diagnose and treat hammertoes regularly, and our connected care model means your foot health is considered alongside the rest of your health.

With locations across a growing network in 25 states, expert care is available close to home, with the added support of Upperline Plus between visits.

Meet Our Podiatry Providers

Your hammertoe care is delivered by experienced podiatry providers who diagnose and treat foot and ankle conditions every day. Find a provider to learn more about our team, or explore our foot & ankle specialties.

Find Hammertoe Care Near You

Upperline Health offers foot and ankle care at locations across a growing network in 25 states. Use our location finder to find a clinic near you and schedule a visit with a podiatry provider.

Schedule an Appointment

Have questions or are you ready to get started? Our care team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at a location near you, or contact us with any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions