Hammer Toe

Hammer Toe services offered in Brooklyn , NY

Hammertoes are common concerns, accounting for up to 20% of all foot and ankle problems. In the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, skilled podiatrist Howard Frank, DPM, treats this common condition to ease your discomfort, improve mobility, and avoid worsening symptoms. Schedule a hammertoe evaluation with Dr. Frank by calling his office or booking an appointment online today.

Hammer Toes Q & A

What is a hammertoe?

A hammertoe is a bend in the middle joint of a toe caused by pressure that pushes the affected joint out of its usual alignment. It causes the tip of your toe to point down and the middle part to curl, sometimes appearing like an upside-down V or a hammer shape.

Hammertoes often develop in the second joint of the smaller toes (not the big toe). This causes tightening and curling of the affected toe.

Dr. Frank offers solutions that restore the structure of your toe and ease symptoms. He uses advanced technologies and treatments to improve your mobility, ease pain, and maximize long-term outcomes.

What are the symptoms of a hammertoe?

A hammertoe can cause the following symptoms:

Bent toe
Pain
Stiffness
Trouble walking
Curled toe
Difficulty moving the affected toe
Corns
Calluses
Skin discoloration
Swelling
Pain when wearing shoes
Thickening of the skin near the affected toe
Ulcers
Claw-like toe shape

You might have problems finding shoes that fit well because of a hammertoe. The symptoms can worsen over time if hammertoe isn’t treated.

What are the risk factors for hammertoes?

Hammertoe risk factors include:

Poor-fitted shoes
Flat feet
High foot arches
Bunions
Long toes
Diabetes
Rheumatoid arthritis
Toe injuries
Imbalanced toe muscles
Genetics
Being female

Wearing comfortable shoes and managing any underlying chronic diseases helps decrease your risk of developing hammertoe.

How are hammertoes diagnosed?

To diagnose a hammertoe, Dr. Frank examines your feet and toes, discusses your symptoms, and reviews your medical history and lifestyle. He might recommend X-rays to evaluate the bones in your feet to help him develop the most appropriate treatment plan.

How are hammertoes treated?

Dr. Frank may suggest one or more of the following hammertoe treatments:

Watchful waiting
Switching to more comfortable shoes
Shoe pads
Taping
Orthotics
Medications
Physical therapy (toe exercises)
Minimally invasive surgery

In severe cases of hammertoe or when other treatments have not worked, Dr. Frank might suggest surgery to repair the affected toe. He follows up to ensure an effective, lasting outcome.

If your hammertoe is painful or has not gone away on its own, schedule an evaluation with Howard Frank, DPM. Call his office or request an appointment online today.