A hammertoe is a deformity or contracture of one or both of the joints in the second, third, fourth or fifth toe. The deformity results in a permanent bend in the toe causing it to look like a hammer. Advanced hammertoes can cause pain and pressure which make everyday activities, including walking, difficult. At the Orlando Orthopaedic Center our board certified specialists offer personalized treatment plans for patients suffering from complications of the foot and ankle, including hammertoes. If you or a loved one are suffering from a hammertoe, or any other foot or ankle discomfort, turn to the experts at the Orlando Orthopaedic Center.

In order to effectively treat a hammertoe it is important to identify the cause of the problem. In some cases a hammertoe is present at birth, and in others it develops later in life. Many patients who develop a hammertoe do so as a result of bunions, corns and calluses which place pressure on the toe(s) and eventually cause permanent damage. In some cases children who wear shoes that no longer fit develop hammertoes as a result.

Once you and your foot and ankle specialist have determined the origin of your hammertoe he or she will be able to outline a treatment plan to correct the problem. Hammertoe treatment options include: splinting, corrective shoes, corn and/or felt pads, exercises, bunion surgery, fusion surgery and more.

Bunions are also deformities of the foot that cause the big toe to point toward the second toe, causing a bump to grow and calluses to form.  Bunions can also make walking and other activities very painful.  Because bunions are a leading cause of hammertoes, bunion treatment and surgery are often a part of a hammertoe treatment plan.

Symptoms of Hammertoes

• Claw or hammer-like bend in the toe
• Corns
• Calluses
• Bunions
• Pain in the joint at the base of the big toe

At the Orlando Orthopaedic Center our foot and ankle specialists treat hammertoes and other deformities of the foot.  Whether you are suffering from moderate to severe pain associated with a complication of the foot; our specialists are here to help you through every step of the diagnosis, treatment and recovery process.  If you are interested in learning more about treatment options for a hammertoe, schedule a consultation with one of our specialists today.