How to Get Rid of Hammertoe Pain

Hammertoes are one of those medical issues you don’t think about until it happens to you. It starts as a flexible issue and ends up as a rigid, pointed toe that may require surgery to correct.

Knowing the signs of a hammertoe and correcting the toes while they’re still flexible is the key to avoiding chronic pain and progression of the condition. At Phoenix Foot and Ankle Institute, two doctors, Dr. Jefferey E. McAlister and Dr. Marta Riniker, offer a range of treatments for hammertoes.

Both doctors are board-certified and up-to-date on the latest treatments and techniques for various foot and ankle conditions, including flexible and rigid hammertoes.

The facts on hammertoes

Hammertoes are common foot deformities that happen when the middle toe joint bends down, resembling a hammer. It usually affects the second, third, or fourth toes, but it can affect the others, as well.

They typically occur due to imbalances in the muscles and tendons. Tight-fitting shoes can worsen hammertoes and lead to calluses, corns, and pain in the affected toe.

In the early stages of a hammertoe, the joint remains flexible, even when bent. But as the condition progresses, it becomes stiff and unmovable. The result is difficulty walking, wearing shoes, and intense pain.

Lifestyle changes for pain reduction

Living with a hammertoe is tough and can lead to significant discomfort in its later stages. If you notice a hammertoe forming, it’s essential to make some changes to avoid it getting worse. The lifestyle changes you can take to address symptoms include:

• Footwear changes
• Taping and padding
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories
• Toe spacers
• Splinting

The earlier you catch a hammertoe and start changing your footwear, the less likely it is to form into a rigid hammertoe. However, lifestyle changes may not be enough to prevent the toe from worsening.

Conservative treatments to manage pain

If you’ve tried lifestyle changes without any improvement, you may require other treatments to address the underlying problem, which may include any of the following:

Physical therapy

A physical therapist provides exercises to help strengthen the toes and the surrounding muscles and tendons. The stronger you make the supporting structures around the toe, the better the outcome is.

Orthotics

Orthotics are devices that fit into your shoes to keep your feet and toes properly aligned. You can get them over-the-counter, or we can custom-fit them to your specific needs. These can keep the rest of the foot stable, preventing the toe from worsening.

Steroid injections

For painful hammertoes, we offer steroid injections, especially if oral steroids haven’t worked. The injection targets inflammation in the toe, which leads to pain and stiffness.

Managing underlying issues

Other foot conditions may worsen hammertoes and pain. We address any underlying problems in the foot or ankle to prevent worsening of the condition.

Do I need surgery for pain relief?

Most people don’t require surgery for hammertoes; however, if conservative measures fail and you still have pain, it’s an option. We reserve surgery as the last resort because it comes with the most risks and complications.

However, if you have a rigid hammertoe that fails physical therapy, injections, and lifestyle modifications, surgery may be the only option for lasting relief.

The hammertoe is carefully evaluated to determine if surgery is the best option. If so, we discuss the procedure, what to expect from recovery, and answer any questions you may have before moving forward.

Ready to find relief from hammertoe pain? Call our team in Phoenix or Scottsdale at 602-761-7819, or schedule your appointment online now to take the first step toward treatment.