Your little toes help to balance and propel your body when you move.  As your foot flattens, the little toes bend to grip the ground.  They straighten, acting like levers to help push your foot so you can walk, run, or dance.  But if a muscle imbalance or tight tendons develop then you may develop a problem known as a hammer toe.  Hammer toes are when the toes buckle or curl under.  Over time, these toes may hurt and make movement more difficult.  But you don't have to live with pain.  With your podiatrist's help, even severe hammer toes can usually be treated so you can move more easily.

 

Many different options are available depending on what type of hammer toe you have and how severe the deformity.  Our physicians can discuss the various options.  There are certain padding options to minimize irritation to the toe and shoe gear choices.  Surgical correction offers you the most permanent treatment.  There are several different types of surgical procedures for hammertoes.  Visit the physicians of Shoreline Foot and Ankle Associates to determine which treatment options are best for you.