If you’ve noticed one or more of your toes starting to curl downward instead of lying flat, you might have a hammertoe. While it may seem like a minor issue at first, hammertoes can worsen over time—leading to pain, corns, and even difficulty walking.

At Professional Podiatry Services of New York, we help patients catch hammertoes early and provide effective treatment options. If you’re looking for relief, you’re in the right place.

What Is a Hammertoe?

A hammertoe is a toe deformity where one of the toes—most commonly the second, third, or fourth—bends at the middle joint, giving it a hammer-like appearance.

Flexible hammertoe: The joint can still move.

Rigid hammertoe: The toe becomes stuck in place.

Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and functional problems.

What Causes Hammertoes?

Hammertoes often develop due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally keep your toe straight. Contributing factors include:

Poorly fitting shoes (tight or narrow toe boxes, high heels)

Foot muscle imbalances

Toe injuries

Arthritis

Genetic predisposition

Flat feet or high arches

Women are more likely to develop hammertoes—mainly because of footwear choices.

Common Symptoms

Watch for these early signs:

A toe that bends downward at the middle joint

Pain or irritation when wearing shoes

Corns or calluses on the top of the toe or ball of the foot

Redness, swelling, or inflammation

Limited or painful movement in the affected toe

If left untreated, the toe may become rigid and painful even at rest.

When to See a Podiatrist

Don’t wait until walking becomes difficult. Early treatment gives you more options—especially non-surgical solutions—and can prevent the condition from worsening.

How We Treat Hammertoes

At Professional Podiatry Services of New York, we offer personalized care to relieve pain and restore function:

Conservative Treatments

Padding and taping to relieve pressure

Custom orthotics for better foot alignment

Shoe modifications (wide toe boxes, low heels)

Anti-inflammatory medications

Toe-stretching exercises to strengthen muscles

Minimally Invasive Surgery

If your hammertoe is rigid or painful despite conservative care, minimally invasive surgery may be recommended. This technique uses tiny incisions for quicker recovery, less pain, and minimal scarring.

Prevention Tips

Wear shoes with a wide toe box and good support

Avoid prolonged use of high heels

Stretch and strengthen your toes regularly

Use arch supports to improve foot mechanics

Schedule Your Hammertoe Consultation Today

Hammertoes don’t correct themselves—but with the right treatment, you can walk comfortably again.

📍 Visit us: 1501 W 6th St Suite 1A, Brooklyn, NY 11204

📞 Call us: (718) 331-1100

Let’s get your toes back in shape—pain-free and confident!