San Juan Regional Health

If you tend to wear high heels or shoes that are too tight, you could be increasing your risk of developing painful hammertoes. At San Juan Health Partners Foot and Ankle in Farmington, New Mexico, our skilled orthopedic team offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for mild to severe hammertoe deformities. Using in-office diagnostic tests, we create personalized treatment plans to correct the deformity and improve your mobility. Request a consultation today by calling our office.

What is hammertoe?

Hammertoe is a condition that describes an abnormal bending of the joints in your second through fifth toes. This deformity occurs because of an imbalance in the nearby muscles or tendons due to injury, inherited traits, or neurological issues in the foot.

Wearing shoes that are too tight or lack proper support can further aggravate the condition. Over time, the bend in your toe joints can become more severe and rigid, interfering with your daily activities and ability to stay physically active.

What are the symptoms of hammertoe?

The hallmark symptom of hammertoe is a noticeable, permanent bend in the affected toe. Other common symptoms include:

• Painful corns or calluses on the top of the toe or between toes
• Inflammation, redness, and swelling in the toe joint
• Significant pain when wearing shoes or walking
• Restricted movement in the affected toe

As the condition worsens, friction against footwear can lead to open sores that are prone to infection.

How is hammertoe diagnosed?

While our team can often confirm hammertoe during a visual evaluation, we may also perform an in-office X-ray. Detailed imaging allows us to see the inner structures of the toe and determine the severity of the joint misalignment. Once evaluated, we create a plan to ease your symptoms and prevent the deformity from progressing.

How is hammertoe treated?

In the early stages, conservative treatments are often very effective. Your plan may include:

• Footwear Changes: Switching to wide-width shoes and avoiding high heels.
• Supportive Aids: Using specialized pads or custom orthotics to relieve pressure and prevent calluses.
• Therapeutic Care: Ice therapy to reduce inflammation and massage to relieve muscle tension.
• Medication: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to manage daily discomfort.

When is surgery considered for hammertoe?

If conservative treatments are not enough to relieve pain or if the toe has become "rigid" and cannot be straightened, surgery may be a candidate. The goal of surgery is to realign the toe joint and correct the muscle or tendon imbalance. Following surgery, physical therapy is often recommended to maintain flexibility and prevent the condition from returning.

If you have symptoms of hammertoe, request a consultation today at San Juan Health Partners Foot and Ankle.