Foot health is worth preserving. At Stonestown Podiatry Group in San Francisco, CA, we treat hammertoes and other foot deformities as early as possible. Our foot doctors, Dr. Daniel Alberts, Dr. Richard Rolfes, and Dr. Jasper Lee, relieve the pain and mobility limitations characteristic of hammertoes so you can walk well and feel good.

What are hammertoes?

Hammertoes are common deformities of the second through fifth toes. Because of muscular contraction and bending of the bone at the middle joints, hammertoes look like little mallets or hammers. Over time, they worsen, causing:

• Pain when ambulating
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Redness
• Sores and calluses on upper surfaces of the toes as they contact the inside of shoes
• Poor shoe fit

What causes hammertoes?

Many factors play a role in the formation and progression of hammertoes. Weak muscles and connective tissue in the toes contribute as does heredity, gender, and shoes which are cramped and tight in the toes. As such, more women than men develop hammertoes.

Additionally, people with untreated bunions often get hammertoes, too. As the big toe turns inward because of a bunion, the resulting pressure cramps the smaller toes. Over time, you develop hammertoes.

Can they be treated?

The good news is yes, hammertoes can be treated. At Stonestown Podiatry Group in San Francisco, CA, Drs. Alberts, Rolfes, and Lee inspect suspected hammertoes and take digital X-rays if deemed necessary.

Some patients require surgical straightening of their toe joints, along with corn and callus removal. These procedures improve range of motion, says the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).

However, most people need no surgical intervention at all, responding well to measures such as:

• Shoe padding and inserts called orthotics which correct muscular imbalances
• Shoes with comfortable room in the toes
• NSAIDs to relieve pain
• Splints to straighten the toes

Let Stonestown Podiatry Group help

Hammertoes are serious, but they can be treated. If your foot structure looks different, and you have pain and soreness, please contact your podiatrist at Stonestown Podiatry Group. Dr. Daniel Alberts, Dr. Richard Rolfes, and Dr. Jasper Lee will deliver the best outcomes for you and your feet. Please contact our office in San Francisco, CA, for a consultation at (415) 731-6700.