Hammer Toe Correction

Advanced Hammertoe Treatment and Surgical Solutions in Lake Zurich, IL

Home › Hammer Toe Correction

What are hammertoes?

Hammertoes are the most common deformity affecting the smaller toes of the foot, including the second, third, fourth, and fifth toes. The joints of the toe become bent, giving them a hammer-like appearance. Patients in Lake Zurich and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs often experience thickened toenails, corns, or calluses on the top or tip of the affected toe. For individuals with diabetes, these corns and calluses can lead to ulceration (sores) and infection, making early evaluation especially important. Pain may be felt in the toes or in the ball of the foot, and many people with hammertoes struggle to find comfortable shoes. Over time, hammertoes can become painful, rigid, and inflexible, often requiring evaluation and possible surgical correction by a podiatrist in Lake Zurich, IL.

What Causes Hammertoes to Form?

Hammertoes occur because of an imbalance in the muscles surrounding the toe joints. If the muscles are too tight or too weak, your toe will not be able to move the way it is supposed to. This muscle imbalance is due to a variety of factors, including:

Shoes: if you wear shoes that are too tight in the toe box or if you constantly wear high heels, your toes will be forced into a flexed position.
Gender: women are more likely to develop hammer toes.
Age: the risk of developing hammer toes increases as you age.
Injuries: If you have broken, stubbed or jammed your toe, there is an increased risk that a hammer toe will develop.
Toe length: Second toes that are longer than big toes are at an increased risk of developing a hammer toe.
Genetics: Hammertoes are genetic in some cases and can run in the family.
Certain diseases: Arthritis and diabetes sufferers are more likely to develop foot-related issues like a hammertoe.

What are hammertoe treatments?

There are many different treatment options for hammertoe deformities. In our office, your podiatrist will review your x-rays with you and determine the best treatment option for your specific condition, lifestyle, and goals. Hammer toe surgery may be performed by your podiatrist at a hospital, a surgical center, or in the office. Patients are able to go home the same day and follow up in the office weekly or every other week for x-rays and evaluation. Patients are able to bear weight and walk after hammertoe surgery but are advised to limit their activity for up to six weeks.

To reduce your risk of developing a hammer toe, consider changing your footwear. Please contact our office if you are suffering from hammer toes, and we will find the right treatment option for you!