Hammertoes

Hammertoes are a common foot problem, accounting for up to 20% of podiatry visits. Thankfully, treatment can prevent them from worsening and improve your quality of life. At Valley Stream Foot Doctor in Valley Stream, New York, experienced podiatrist Marc Schumann, DPM, specializes in diagnosing and treating hammertoes. He uses a conservative, integrative approach that reduces toe stiffness and encourages mobility. Call Valley Stream Foot Doctor to schedule hammertoe treatment, or book your appointment online today. 

What are hammertoes?

A hammertoe is a structural abnormality that causes one (or several) toes to stay bent in a hammerhead-like position. Most hammertoes are mild and don’t affect mobility, but in severe cases, the toe joint may become frozen and remain in a curled position permanently. When this happens, it’s painful and increases the risk of corns, calluses, and blisters.

What are the symptoms of hammertoes?

Hammertoe symptoms include:

• Pain (typically at the top of the affected toe)
• Difficulty moving the affected toe (or toes)
• Corns and calluses forming on top of the affected toe
• Swelling
• Skin discoloration

If you notice a bend in your toe and it doesn’t improve, contact Valley Stream Foot Doctor immediately. Treatment can prevent the condition from progressing and reduce your risk of complications.

How are hammertoes diagnosed?

Dr. Schumann reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a podiatry exam. More specifically, he looks at your toes and assesses how your toe joints move. Tell Dr. Schumann about the shoes you wear and if certain types of footwear make your symptoms better or worse.

Often, a visual exam is enough to diagnose hammertoes, but Dr. Schumann might also order X-rays to look at your toe bones and toe joints.

How are hammertoes treated?

At Valley Stream Foot Doctor, Dr. Schumann takes an integrative and minimally invasive approach to treating hammertoes. He may recommend:

• Wearing shoes with wide, deep toe boxes to reduce pressure on your toes
• Custom orthotics to keep your toes in the correct position
• Taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers to reduce swelling and discomfort
• Stretches and strengthening exercises to correct your toes’ alignment

Most people improve with several conservative treatments, but if your symptoms continue or worsen, surgery could be necessary. During surgery, Dr. Schumann releases the tendons and ligaments keeping your toe bent, allowing your toe to straighten.

How can I prevent a hammertoe?

There’s no way to prevent hammertoes entirely, but you can reduce your risk. Dr. Schumann recommends wearing shoes that provide plenty of toe room and keeping your toes flexible with stretches and strengthening exercises. Likewise, if you have diabetes, participate in diabetic foot care. Doing so can reduce your risk of hammertoes and other complications.

Call Valley Stream Foot Doctor to schedule hammertoe treatment, or book your appointment online today.