Hammertoe
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Stephanie Carter-Robin, DPM, PC
Podiatrist & Foot Surgeon located in Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, NY
Hammertoe is a common foot deformity that causes one of your middle toes to bend into a hammerhead-like shape. If left untreated, a hammertoe may cause chronic foot pain and interfere with your ability to perform routine tasks like climbing a flight of stairs. At her self-titled New York City-based practice in Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, expert podiatrist Stephanie Carter-Robin, DPM, PC, specializes in diagnosing and treating hammertoe. To make your appointment with Dr. Carter-Robin today, call the office, or click the online booking tool.
Hammertoe Q & A
What is hammertoe?
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs because of an imbalance of the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that hold your toe straight. Many people use the terms hammertoe and mallet toe interchangeably. However, they’re two different things. A hammertoe causes an abnormal bend in your middle toe joint. A mallet toe, on the other hand, affects the joint nearest your toenail.
The most obvious symptom of a hammertoe is a visible, abnormal bend that affects one or more of your middle toes. Other telltale signs of a hammertoe include corns and calluses on the affected toe and pain that occurs when you try to straighten your toe.
Who is at risk of developing hammertoe?
Anyone can develop a hammertoe, but there are certain factors that may increase your risk, including:
- Being middle-aged or older
- Being a woman
- Having a big toe that’s shorter than your second toe
You’re also more likely to develop a hammertoe if you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition like diabetes or arthritis.
Is there any way to prevent hammertoe?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent a hammertoe entirely. However, there are things you can do to lower your risk, including wearing comfortable shoes with an adequate toe box or wearing shoes with low heels. If possible, Dr. Carter-Robin recommends wearing adjustable shoes with laces or straps; this can ease pressure on your foot and give your toes room to wiggle.
How is hammertoe diagnosed and treated?
To diagnose a hammertoe, Dr. Carter-Robin physically examines your foot and reviews your medical history. She also takes a series of in-house digital X-rays to further evaluate the bones and joints in your toes and feet.
Treatment for a hammertoe depends on the severity of your symptoms. Whenever possible, Dr. Carter-Robin recommends conservative measures or care like wearing custom orthotics or more supportive shoes. If you have corns or calluses on your affected toes, Dr. Carter-Robin can remove those as well.
If the uncomfortable symptoms caused by a hammertoe persist, surgical intervention may be necessary. During hammertoe surgery, Dr. Carter-Robin releases the tendon that prevents your toe from lying flat.
Don’t let a hammertoe prevent you from participating in your favorite activities. Make an appointment at Stephanie Carter-Robin, DPM, PC, by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool today.
