Surgical & Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Hammertoes

Hammertoes are a common foot condition that can cause pain and significantly impact your daily life. If hammertoes are preventing you from being active and doing the things you love, it’s important to investigate treatment options. In this article, we are going to discuss the various treatment options (surgical and non-surgical) available for hammertoes.

Non-surgical Treatments for Hammertoes

The treatment your foot and ankle specialist recommends will depend upon the severity of your hammertoe. The following are common non-surgical ways to alleviate pain:

• Non-medicated pads can shield and protect your toes from rubbing and further damage

• Avoid shoes with pointed toes, ones that are too short, or have high heel

• A custom orthotic device inserted into your shoe may help control any muscle or tendon imbalance

• Corticosteroid injections are sometimes used to ease pain and inflammation. Otherwise, oral drugs, such as ibuprofen, may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation

• Splints or small straps can realign the bent toe

Is Surgery Needed for Hammertoes?

When a hammertoe has become rigid and nothing helps to control pain or if an open sore develops, surgery may be needed.

The procedure your doctor recommends will be based on factors like the extent of deformity, the number of toes involved, your age and your activity level. Depending on the procedure selected, recovery time varies.

Contact an Orthopaedic Foot Specialist

If you have foot pain, talk to your foot and ankle specialist. Relieving the pain and pressure of a hammertoe may be as simple as changing footwear and wearing shoe inserts. At the Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center, our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons have years of experience treating patients with hammertoes. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you get back on your feet!