Advanced Hammertoe Treatment Options

Athlete's foot doesn’t always mean you have a fungus! Hammertoe is often mild and flexible at first, without causing issues besides perhaps some friction when rubbing against your shoes.

However, as time goes on, the deformity can become stiff and painful. Padding the affected area may become difficult, and shoes might not comfortably fit.

If you find yourself continuously replacing worn-down padding and having corns that just keep returning despite your best efforts at home care, it may be time to seek advanced treatment options.

Treatment plans at Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute focus on:

• Correcting toe mechanics (realignment)

• Relieving pressure from the affected area

• Preventing recurrence and callus formation

With custom-made orthotics and other advanced treatment methods, you can continue to stay active without suffering from chronic hammertoe pain.

Advanced Hammertoe Care Starts with a Consultation

In order to treat your hammertoe, the specialists at Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute will perform a clinical evaluation to determine whether your deformity is flexible or rigid.

• Flexible hammertoe – The toe is bent but can still be manually repositioned.

• Rigid hammertoe – The joint is stiff and no longer movable.

Treatment recommendations are based on this assessment.

During your consultation, you’ll be asked about:

• Your footwear

• Activity level

• Previous treatments

• Duration of the deformity

• Pain during walking or exercise

A thorough physical exam will assess:

• Joint mobility

• Tendon balance

• Callus formation

• Areas of high pressure during gait

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Providers may observe you walking (or running) to identify abnormal pressure under the ball of the foot. The balance between the big toe extensor tendon and the hammertoe flexor tendon may also be evaluated.

If your hammertoe is painful, weight-bearing X-rays are commonly taken to assess joint positioning. Imaging helps identify:

• Arthritis

• Joint subluxation

• Rotational deformity

Advanced imaging such as MRI may be recommended if a soft tissue issue is suspected.

Your feet go through significant stress every day, so it is important to find solutions that allow you to stay active and pain-free. Padding and injections can relieve discomfort, while custom orthotics can improve biomechanics and reduce pressure on the affected joint.

Advanced Non-Surgical Treatment Options

In some cases, corticosteroid injections may provide weeks to months of relief from joint inflammation.

Physical therapy can also be highly beneficial by:

• Stretching tight tendons

• Improving gait mechanics

• Strengthening intrinsic foot muscles

If conservative treatment fails and the hammertoe remains flexible, surgical procedures may be considered.

Soft Tissue Procedures

Minor procedures can be performed without cutting bone. These may include:

• Tendon lengthening

• Tendon transfer to rebalance joint forces

Traditional Surgical Options (for Rigid Deformities)

• Arthroplasty – Removal of part of the joint to shorten and realign the toe

• Arthrodesis – Permanent joint fusion for structural correction

• Internal fixation may be used to stabilize the toe during healing

Seeking advanced care does not automatically mean surgery is required. At Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute, the goal is to provide a full spectrum of treatment options so you can remain active without limitations or chronic pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: At what point should I seek advanced hammertoe care?

If you continue to experience pain despite changing shoes and using padding, if the toe becomes rigid, or if corns repeatedly return, it may be time to seek further treatment. The team at Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute can determine whether custom orthotics, injections, physical therapy, or surgical options are appropriate.

Q2: What can be done for painful hammertoes?

Painful hammertoes can often be managed with padding and injections. However, if pain significantly limits walking or activity, surgical correction may be considered. A customized treatment plan will be developed based on your condition and goals.

Q3: Is surgery for hammertoe effective?

If conservative measures fail and pain or deformity persists, surgery can be highly effective in providing long-term correction and relief. Providers at Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute will help determine if you are a good candidate.

Q4: How quickly can I expect to recover from hammertoe surgery?

Initial recovery typically takes about 6 weeks. However, swelling may take 3–6 months to fully resolve. Recovery timelines vary depending on the procedure performed and overall health.

Q5: Can hammertoes recur after treatment?

Recurrence is possible, particularly if underlying biomechanical issues are not addressed. Wearing supportive footwear and using custom orthotics can significantly reduce recurrence risk.