Hammertoe Treatment in Alexandria, VA
Foot deformities like hammertoes can be painful and make it hard to feel confident about the appearance of your feet. At Landmark Foot & Ankle Center in Alexandria, VA , correcting hammertoes and other toe deformities is an area of specialty, with treatments ranging from footwear changes and orthotics to minimally invasive surgery.
Book OnlineWhat Are Hammertoes?
A hammertoe is a common deformity in which the middle joint of a toe bends abnormally, causing the toe to curl downward like a hammer. It most often affects the second, third, or fourth toes. A similar condition, mallet toe, involves an abnormal bend in the joint closest to the toenail. Hammertoes may be flexible at first but can become rigid over time without treatment.
What Causes Hammertoes?
- An imbalance in the toe muscles and tendons
- Shoes with high heels or a narrow, tight toe box
- Traumatic toe injuries
- Inherited foot structure
- Arthritis
- Bunions that push the toes out of alignment
Hammertoe Symptoms
- A visibly bent or curled toe
- Pain or irritation when wearing shoes
- Corns and calluses on top of or at the tip of the toe
- Redness, swelling, or inflammation
- Limited toe movement
Left untreated, hammertoes can lead to painful corns and calluses where the bent toe rubs against your shoes. In patients with diabetes or neuropathy, these pressure points can break down into wounds that require wound care. Crowded toes may also contribute to ingrown toenails and Morton’s neuroma.
How Are Hammertoes Diagnosed?
A physical examination of the toes diagnoses most cases. If one or more toes aren’t properly aligned, visit Landmark Foot & Ankle Center for a thorough exam. X-rays may be used to evaluate the joints and plan treatment.
Hammertoe Treatment Options
If the bent joint is still flexible, conservative treatment may be all you need:
- Shoes with a roomy toe box and lower heels
- Custom orthotics to rebalance the foot and prevent progression
- Pads, cushions, and toe splints
- Strengthening and flexibility exercises your podiatrist will teach you
If the tendon holding the toe joint has tightened to the point that surgery is the best option, our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques to release the tendon so the toe can return to a properly aligned position. When needed, a small piece of bone can be removed. Minimally invasive surgery has a lower rate of complications than open procedures, with less bleeding and a lower risk of infection. The procedure is outpatient, so you return home the same day.
Meet our surgeons, Dr. Philip P. Garrett and Dr. Victoria Nolte, or learn about other conditions we treat.
Hammertoe FAQs
What is a hammertoe?
A hammertoe is a deformity in which the middle joint of a toe bends abnormally, causing the toe to curl downward.
Can hammertoes be corrected without surgery?
Flexible hammertoes can often be managed with roomier shoes, orthotics, padding, splints, and exercises. Rigid hammertoes may require surgery.
What is the difference between a hammertoe and a mallet toe?
A hammertoe bends at the middle joint of the toe, while a mallet toe bends at the joint closest to the toenail.
Will hammertoes get worse over time?
Yes. Without treatment, hammertoes typically progress and can become rigid and more painful.
Is hammertoe surgery done in the office?
Hammertoe surgery is an outpatient procedure, so you can return home the same day. Our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.
How long is recovery from hammertoe surgery?
Recovery varies, but many patients return to comfortable shoes within a few weeks after minimally invasive hammertoe correction.
Can hammertoes cause other foot problems?
Yes. Hammertoes can cause corns, calluses, and, in people with diabetes, pressure wounds.
Straighten Out Your Toe Pain
Explore conservative and minimally invasive hammertoe treatment. Call (703) 370-2313 or request an appointment online with Landmark Foot & Ankle Center in Alexandria, VA .
