Hammertoes: When Do You Need Surgery vs Conservative Treatment?

Hammertoes can make all those steps you take every day painful. The good news? There are conservative and surgical treatment options available, depending on the severity of the hammertoe and its impact on your daily life.

At Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates P.C., with offices in Park City and Chicago, Illinois, we’re committed to supporting every step you take with advanced care tailored to your needs.

Here’s our professional take on hammertoes — what they are, why they occur, and how to know when conservative care is enough or surgery might be the better solution.

Understanding hammertoes

A hammertoe occurs when the middle joint of a toe bends abnormally, creating a shape that resembles a hammer. This condition most commonly affects the second, third, or fourth toes.

Early on, the toe may still be flexible and correctable with nonsurgical methods. However, over time, the joint can become rigid, making the deformity permanent without surgical correction.

Why hammertoes happen

Hammertoes typically develop due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that keep your toes straight and joints aligned.

Common causes include:

Poorly fitting shoes

Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes that crowd the toes can affect the ligaments and other tissue structures holding the joint in position.

Genetics

A family history of hammertoes or other foot structure issues increases your risk of hammertoes.

Foot mechanics

Flat feet, high arches, or bunions can put extra pressure on the toes, increasing your odds of developing hammertoes.

Injury

Trauma to the toe can alter its alignment.

Medical conditions

Arthritis, diabetes, and neuromuscular disorders may increase the risk.

Conservative treatments for hammertoes

If you catch hammertoes early, when the toe is still flexible, conservative treatment is often effective in relieving symptoms and preventing progression.

Common nonsurgical approaches our team may recommend include:

Wearing proper footwear

Shoes with a wide toe box, low heel, and good support reduce pressure on the toes.

Orthotics

Because they’re designed for your foot’s unique shape and structure, custom inserts can improve alignment and balance foot mechanics. That reduces the risks of hammertoes, bunions, and other painful conditions.

Toe exercises

Gentle stretching and, yes, toe strengthening exercises can help maintain flexibility.

Padding or splints

Our team can offer guidance on protecting the affected toe(s) with padding and splints that help reduce friction and discomfort.

Anti-inflammatory measures

Ice packs or over-the-counter medications ease pain and inflammation.

These approaches focus on symptom relief and slowing progression, but they can’t permanently reverse a rigid hammertoe.

When surgery may be your best option for hammertoes

Our team at Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates may recommend hammertoe surgery if:

• The toe has become rigid and can’t be straightened manually
• Pain persists despite footwear changes and conservative care
• You develop corns, calluses, or wounds from constant shoe irritation
• Walking and daily activities are significantly affected

Hammertoe surgery is typically an outpatient procedure and may involve realigning tendons, removing a small piece of bone, or fusing the joint. Most patients experience lasting relief and improved toe function.

Don’t ignore your toes

Hammertoes typically start as a minor nuisance. However, without proper care, they can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues.

Early evaluation by a podiatrist is the best way to determine whether conservative treatment is sufficient or if surgery may be the most effective long-term solution.

At Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates, we specialize in diagnosing and treating hammertoes with a personalized approach. Whether you need simple shoe modifications or surgical correction, we’re here to help.

Schedule an evaluation today by calling one of our conveniently located offices or requesting an appointment online.