A hammertoe is a toe that bends abnormally at the middle joint. Hammertoes can make shoes uncomfortable and lead to painful corns and calluses. Treated early, it’s often manageable without surgery. Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle offers the full range of care to keep your toes comfortable and functional.
What is a hammertoe?
A hammertoe is a deformity that causes one of the smaller toes to bend downward at the middle joint, taking on a claw-like shape. Early on the toe stays flexible, but over time it can become rigid and fixed in that position.
Symptoms and causes
Hammertoes cause a visibly bent toe, pain or pressure (especially in shoes), and corns or calluses where the toe rubs. They often result from muscle imbalance and inherited foot mechanics, and tight or pointed shoes can make them worse. Bunions and other deformities frequently occur alongside them.
Treatment options
While the toe is still flexible, roomier footwear, padding, splinting, and custom orthotics can relieve symptoms and slow progression. Once a hammertoe becomes rigid and painful, a straightforward surgical procedure can straighten the toe and restore comfortable function. We’ll recommend the least invasive option that solves the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a hammertoe be fixed without surgery?
If it’s caught while the toe is still flexible, conservative care often controls symptoms and slows progression. Surgery becomes the best option once the toe is rigid and painful.
Do hammertoes get worse over time?
They tend to be progressive, gradually becoming stiffer. Early treatment gives you the most non-surgical options.
Don’t let foot or ankle pain keep you from the things you love. Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle has board-certified podiatrists in Murray, Draper, and Tooele serving patients across the Salt Lake City area. Call 801-261-1391 or request an appointment online. We get you in quickly, and same week appointments are usually available.
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