What Is Hammertoe?

What Is Hammertoe?

Find foot pain relief at Bozeman Foot and Ankle Clinic in Bozeman & Livingston, MT

Hammertoe is a contracture or bending of one or both joints of the second, third, fourth or fifth toes. Hammertoes are often aggravated by shoes that don't fit properly because your toe is forced into a cramped position. The condition can be caused by trauma or simply inherited. Hammertoe symptoms include:

  • Pain when wearing shoes
  • Corns on your toes or between two toes
  • Calluses on the bottom of your toe or the ball of your foot

If left untreated, hammertoes can become more rigid and fail to respond to nonsurgical treatment. Contact Bozeman Foot and Ankle Clinic if you suspect that you're suffering from a hammertoe.

What are your treatment options for hammertoe?

Our experienced podiatrists will help form a treatment plan that suits your needs. Nonsurgical treatments may include:

  • Trimming corns and calluses
  • Padding corns and calluses
  • Changes in shoe wear
  • Orthopedic devices
  • Injection therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Splinting or strapping

Surgery may be needed if your hammertoe becomes more rigid. The most common surgical procedure is called arthroplasty, which removes a small section of bone from the affected joint.
For more severe cases, arthrodesis is an option. It involves fusing a small joint in the toe to straighten it.

The podiatrists at Bozeman Foot and Ankle Clinic have been practicing for decades and will determine the best treatment options for you. Contact us today at 406-587-8478 to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist - we have 2 locations in Bozeman & Livingston, MT.