Hammertoe Treatments for Lasting Relief

What You Need To Know

Understanding hammertoes and how our specialists can help you find comfort again.

Understanding Hammertoes and Your Options

Hammertoes, which people often call claw or monkey toes, is a commonly treated foot condition at 1Foot 2Foot in Suffolk, North Suffolk, Hampton, and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Hammertoes are toes that bend or contract in an unnatural way, which causes the toe bone to become more prominent and bulging.

You may experience the following symptoms if you have hammertoes: irritation when wearing shoes, developing corns or calluses, and dislocation of the toe joint. Over time, the bent position of the toe can make everyday activities like walking or wearing your favorite shoes uncomfortable.

There are various causes for developing hammertoes. Some people are born with hammertoes; others develop them over time from poorly fitting shoes, the structure of their feet, or an imbalance between their muscles and tendons.

You may feel that you’ve had hammertoes for many years and find that it doesn’t bother you. You may be unsure if anything can be done to improve the state of your feet. Prolonging treatment causes hammertoes to become more rigid or stiff, which increases your chances for needing surgery. If you are noticing discomfort or changes in the shape of your toes, our specialists can assess your feet and walk you through the treatment options that fit your situation.

Treatment Options at 1Foot 2Foot

Our foot and ankle specialists in Suffolk, North Suffolk, Hampton, and Virginia Beach, VA, have years of experience treating feet using non-surgical or non-invasive treatment methods. These methods include professional trimming of corns and calluses, a recommendation for proper fitting shoes, splinting or strapping toes to help position them correctly, orthotics, or even medication.

We always begin with the most conservative approach that fits your condition. Catching hammertoes while the toes are still flexible gives us more options and often means simpler, less invasive care. This is why we encourage patients not to wait until the toes become rigid before seeking help.

Although surgery for hammertoes is our last option, we offer arthroplasty (the removal of bone from an affected joint), arthrodesis (fusion of an affected bone), or a tendon muscle balancing procedure. Our foot and ankle specialists at 1Foot 2Foot can thoroughly assess your condition to determine which procedure, if any, will give you the best results for your hammertoes.

We have known patients who keep their toes covered due to feeling embarrassed or ashamed. You are not alone, and there is no reason to hide your feet any longer. Be sure to discuss any questions you have about hammertoes with our foot specialists in Suffolk, North Suffolk, or Hampton, VA, and we will help you find a path toward more comfortable, confident feet.