Hammertoe Treated in New York

What is a hammertoe?

Uncomfortable, unsightly, and utterly inconvenient.

Sometimes called a claw toe, a hammer toe happens when the toe becomes buckled, contracted, or crooked. They can cause pain on the top or tip of the toe, in the ball of the foot, or both. Pressure from shoes can also lead to the formation of a hardened portion of skin, known as a corn, on the “knuckle” of the toe – in fact, corns or calluses are often the first indication that a patient has a hammertoe. The toe might be irritated, red, warm, or swollen. The pain can be dull and mild, or severe and sharp. And even without pain, hammertoes can make it impossible to wear your favorite shoes.

Hammertoe correction, with a plastic surgery result.

The Glamour Toe Procedure combines the best methods for correcting bent, crooked, or too-long toes with plastic surgery techniques that minimize visible scarring. Simply put, it’s plastic surgery for hammer toes. Dr Maccabee refined and utilizes the most advanced technology to achieve the best results.

Thanks to Dr Maccabee’s specialized, minimally invasive techniques, patients are walking in a small surgical sandal immediately after The Glamour Toe Procedure®, even if he corrects a bunion and other toes at the same time.

Straighten my toe hurts. Is it a hammertoe?

It’s likely. Your big toe has two joints, and your other toes have three. Each joint has tendons and ligaments that help you bend and straighten your toes.

If an imbalance develops due to injury or general wear-and-tear, your toe joints might lock in a bent position –– a painful condition called hammertoe.

There are several types of hammertoes, but they all cause joint mobility problems. If one or more of your toes are painful or hard to wiggle, seeking treatment is essential.

What are the symptoms of a hammertoe?

Hammertoe symptoms include:

• A rigid toe joint that won’t bend
• Redness, inflammation, and a burning sensation
• Persistent toe pain
• Swelling at the joint
• Restricted or painful toe motion

You might develop a blister or an open sore on top of your affected toe if you have diabetes or another condition that affects your mobility.

How does a board-certified podiatrist diagnose a hammertoe?

Dr. Maccabee reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including which toe hurts, what the pain feels like, and if it’s worse when you wear specific shoes or do certain activities.

Next, he examines your toe, looking for redness, swelling, and bruising. He tests your toe joint’s range of motion and gently presses on the top and bottom of your toe to identify sensitive areas.

Dr. Maccabee orders X-rays to check for joint damage and performs neurological tests if you have diabetes. These screenings help him determine if a nerve problem is causing the imbalance that keeps your toe joint locked in a bent position.

How does a board-certified podiatrist treat a hammertoe?

At Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine, Dr. Maccabee treats hammertoes using a conservative, hands-on approach. He might suggest:

• Custom orthotics to improve your foot function
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Corticosteroid shots to reduce inflammation
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Stem cell injections
• Taping your toes
• Padding around the hammertoe to reduce pressure

You might benefit from minimally invasive hammertoe surgery if your toe joint pain is severe or interferes with your routine. Minimally invasive surgery results in reduced pain, minimal scarring, and a quicker return to your daily activities.

Call Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine today to schedule hammertoe treatment, or book your appointment online.