Boca Raton
(561) 488-4848
Hammertoe Treatment
Conservative care and surgical correction for hammertoe from board-certified foot and ankle surgeons in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, FL.
What Is a Hammertoe?
Hammertoe is a deformity that causes a toe, usually the second, third, or fourth, to bend abnormally at the middle joint instead of lying flat. It can develop from a muscle or tendon imbalance, tight or narrow footwear over time, or as a progression of another condition such as a bunion.
Conservative Treatment Options
Who This Affects
Hammertoe can affect anyone, but it’s more common in people with a family history of the condition, existing bunions, tight tendons, or a long history of narrow, restrictive footwear. Patients at our Boca Raton and Boynton Beach offices often notice it first as discomfort with certain shoes or a toe that no longer sits flat.
When Surgical Correction Makes Sense
For hammertoes that are rigid or continuing to worsen despite conservative care, our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons offer surgical correction to restore more natural toe alignment and relieve pain. The right procedure depends on whether the joint is still flexible or has become rigid, and on the overall structure of your foot.
When to See a Podiatrist
01
A toe that stays bent even when you try to straighten it
02
Pain, corns, or calluses developing on top of the bent joint
03
Difficulty finding shoes that don’t rub or irritate the toe
04
A hammertoe that appears to be getting worse over time
Frequently asked questions
1Can hammertoe be corrected without surgery?
Often, yes, in the early, flexible stages. Once a hammertoe becomes rigid, it typically requires surgical correction to restore alignment.
2How do I know if my hammertoe is flexible or rigid?
A flexible hammertoe can still be manually straightened, while a rigid hammertoe cannot. This distinction matters for treatment planning and is best confirmed during an in-office evaluation.
3What does hammertoe surgery involve?
Hammertoe surgery involves realigning a buckled, abnormally bent toe joint to relieve pain and restore typical foot function. The specific surgical technique depends entirely on whether your toe is flexible or rigid.
4Is hammertoe treatment covered by insurance?
Medically necessary hammertoe treatment is typically covered by major insurance plans. Family Foot Center accepts all major insurance; HMO plans are not accepted.
5Is hammertoe related to bunions?
The two conditions often appear together. A bunion can crowd the toes and contribute to hammertoe development. If you have both, our Bunion Treatment page covers that condition in more detail.