Hammertoe Treatment in New Canaan, CT
Hammertoe is a painful deformity in which one or more toes develop an abnormal bend at the middle joint, causing the toe to curl downward rather than lying flat. If you are dealing with the discomfort, corns, or limited footwear options that hammertoe creates, New Canaan Podiatry is here to help.
Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Jennifer Tauber, DPM, provides comprehensive hammertoe evaluation and treatment at our New Canaan, CT practice. Early treatment is key — when addressed in its flexible stage, hammertoe can often be managed conservatively and without surgery.
Book OnlineWhat Causes Hammertoe?
Hammertoe develops when there is an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe in a straight position. This imbalance forces the toe to bend at the middle joint, creating the characteristic curled appearance.
Common causes and risk factors include:
- Ill-fitting footwear — Shoes that are too narrow, too short, or have a high heel force the toes into a bent position over time
- Toe length — Women with a second toe longer than the big toe are particularly susceptible
- Foot structure — Flat feet or high arches alter muscle and tendon mechanics
- Previous injury — A stubbed or broken toe can lead to permanent bending
- Age — The risk of hammertoe increases as we get older due to joint and tendon changes
- Arthritis — Joint inflammation can affect toe alignment
Hammertoe can be “flexible” (the toe can still be straightened manually) or “rigid” (the joint has stiffened in the bent position). Flexible hammertoe is much easier to treat.
Hammertoe Symptoms
- An obvious downward bend or curl in one or more toes
- Pain and irritation when wearing shoes
- Corns or calluses on the top of the bent joint where it rubs against the shoe
- Calluses on the ball of the foot beneath the affected toe
- Chronic pain and difficulty walking in later stages
Hammertoe Treatment Options
Dr. Tauber evaluates the flexibility and severity of your hammertoe to determine the most appropriate course of action:
- Footwear modifications — Switching to roomier shoes with a wider, deeper toe box that does not compress the toes
- Custom orthotics — To address the underlying biomechanical imbalance contributing to the deformity
- Padding and cushioning — To protect corns and calluses from friction
- Splinting or taping — To hold the toe in a corrected position
- Strengthening exercises — To rebalance the toe’s muscle and tendon function
- Anti-inflammatory medications — For pain and swelling relief
- Surgery — For rigid or severely painful hammertoe that has not responded to conservative care; Dr. Tauber can release the contracted tendon or, if necessary, remove a small section of bone to straighten the toe
Do not wait until your hammertoe becomes rigid and requires surgery. Schedule an evaluation at New Canaan Podiatry early — call (203) 548-7688 or book online. Also see: bunions, custom orthotics, heel pain.
Hammertoe FAQs
Can hammertoe be corrected without surgery?
Yes — in the early, flexible stage, hammertoe can often be effectively managed with non-surgical treatments including better footwear, custom orthotics, padding, and stretching exercises. Surgery is generally reserved for rigid hammertoes or cases where conservative measures have failed.
Will my hammertoe get worse if I don’t treat it?
Yes. Hammertoe is a progressive condition. Without treatment, a flexible hammertoe will eventually become rigid as the tendons shorten and the joint stiffens. At that point, surgical correction is usually the only option.
What shoes should I wear if I have hammertoe?
Choose shoes with a wide, deep toe box that gives your toes plenty of room. Avoid pointed shoes, high heels, and any footwear that compresses the toes. Shoes with adjustable lacing or straps allow you to customize the fit as needed.
Is hammertoe painful?
Not always in the early stages. However, as the deformity progresses, friction against footwear causes corns and calluses to develop over the bent joint, which can become quite painful. Chronic pain and difficulty walking may develop over time if left untreated.
Can hammertoe affect more than one toe?
Yes. Hammertoe most commonly affects the second toe, but it can affect any of the smaller toes. Multiple toes can be affected simultaneously, especially in patients with systemic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
How long is recovery from hammertoe surgery?
Recovery time depends on the specific procedure. Most patients can bear weight in a surgical shoe shortly after the procedure. Full recovery — including return to regular footwear — typically takes 4–8 weeks. Dr. Tauber will provide detailed post-operative instructions.
Can children get hammertoe?
Hammertoe is much less common in children than in adults, but it can occur, particularly in children with certain foot structure issues. If you notice your child’s toes developing an unusual bend, consult Dr. Tauber for an evaluation.