Our Services / Hammertoe

What is a hammertoe?

A hammertoe causes one or more of your toes to stay bent in a curved or hammerhead-like position. Hammertoes occur when there's an imbalance between the muscles, tendons, and ligaments responsible for holding your toe straight.

If one or more of your toes has an abnormal bend, please reach out to Dr. DeCarbo at Greater Pittsburgh Foot & Ankle Center for further assistance.

What are the symptoms of a hammertoe?

Symptoms of a hammertoe include:

• A toe that stays bent (even when you try to straighten it)
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Corns, calluses, and blisters

As the condition worsens, you may also experience difficulty standing up, walking, or exercising.

Who is at risk of experiencing a hammertoe?

Hammertoes can affect people of all ages, but certain factors may increase your risk, including:

• Being middle-aged or older
• Being a woman
• Having abnormally long toes
• Having an underlying health problem (like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis)

If you suspect a hammertoe, it’s important to seek professional medical help. The sooner you receive a diagnosis, the sooner you can straighten your toe and improve your quality of walking. 

How is a hammertoe diagnosed?

At Greater Pittsburgh Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. DeCarbo diagnoses hammertoes during a visit in the office. 

First, Dr. DeCarbo reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when the pain started and if anything provides relief. Then, he will ask you to take off your shoes and socks before examining your toes.

Most hammertoes are easy to identify, but Dr. DeCarbo may also order X-rays to assess the position of the bones and joints in your feet.

How is a hammertoe treated?

At Greater Pittsburgh Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. DeCarbo treats hammertoes using conservative,  noninvasive treatments when possible. Depending on your symptoms, he may recommend:

• Wearing more comfortable shoes
• Custom orthotics
• Toe pads to relieve pressure or pain
• Stretches 
• Strengthening exercises

If these measures don’t provide lasting relief, you may benefit from surgery. During hammertoe surgery, Dr. DeCarbo uses special tools to release the soft tissues preventing you from holding your toe flat.

Is there any way to prevent a hammertoe?

You can significantly reduce your risk of a hammertoe by wearing shoes that fit well and avoiding high heels. Minor adjustments to your footwear can make all the difference.

To make an appointment for hammertoe treatment, call the Greater Pittsburgh Foot & Ankle Center in Wexford, Pennsylvania, or book online today.