Hammertoe

Anyone can develop a hammertoe, but they’re most common in people who wear high heels and other shoes that lack support. At Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine, on the East Side of Manhattan in New York City, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Robert Maccabee, DPM, specializes in hammertoe treatment. Dr. Maccabee’s conservative, hands-on approach relieves pain and restores toe mobility. Call Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine today to receive treatment for a hammertoe, or book your appointment online. 

Straighten my toe hurts. Is it a hammertoe?

It’s likely. Your big toe has two joints, and your other toes have three. Each joint has tendons and ligaments that help you bend and straighten your toes.

If an imbalance develops due to injury or general wear-and-tear, your toe joints might lock in a bent position –– a painful condition called hammertoe.

There are several types of hammertoes, but they all cause joint mobility problems. If one or more of your toes are painful or hard to wiggle, seeking treatment is essential. 

What are the symptoms of a hammertoe?

Hammertoe symptoms include:

• A rigid toe joint that won’t bend
• Redness, inflammation, and a burning sensation
• Persistent toe pain
• Swelling at the joint
• Restricted or painful toe motion

You might develop a blister or an open sore on top of your affected toe if you have diabetes or another condition that affects your mobility.

How does a board-certified podiatrist diagnose a hammertoe?

Dr. Maccabee reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including which toe hurts, what the pain feels like, and if it’s worse when you wear specific shoes or do certain activities. 

Next, he examines your toe, looking for redness, swelling, and bruising. He tests your toe joint’s range of motion and gently presses on the top and bottom of your toe to identify sensitive areas. 

Dr. Maccabee orders X-rays to check for joint damage and performs neurological tests if you have diabetes. These screenings help him determine if a nerve problem is causing the imbalance that keeps your toe joint locked in a bent position.

How does a board-certified podiatrist treat a hammertoe?

At Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine, Dr. Maccabee treats hammertoes using a conservative, hands-on approach. He might suggest:

• Custom orthotics to improve your foot function
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Corticosteroid shots to reduce inflammation
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Stem cell injections
• Taping your toes
• Padding around the hammertoe to reduce pressure

You might benefit from minimally invasive hammertoe surgery if your toe joint pain is severe or interferes with your routine. Minimally invasive surgery results in reduced pain, minimal scarring, and a quicker return to your daily activities. 

Call Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine today to schedule hammertoe treatment, or book your appointment online.