Hammertoes

At Medford Foot & Ankle Clinic, P.C., in Medford, OR, serving Grants Pass & Central Point, OR, we evaluate and treat hammertoes that affect comfort, balance, and daily movement. Hammertoes develop when one or more smaller toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, often creating pressure, irritation, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. Because hammertoes may gradually worsen over time, early evaluation can help reduce discomfort and prevent the deformity from becoming more rigid.

Many patients first notice irritation while walking or pressure across the top of the toe before the condition progresses further.

Hammertoes commonly develop because of muscle and tendon imbalance affecting how the toes move and stabilize. Over time, this imbalance can pull the toe into a bent position that becomes increasingly difficult to straighten.

Tight footwear, high heels, arthritis, previous injuries, flat feet, or inherited foot structure may also increase pressure on the toes and contribute to deformity progression.

Patients with hammertoes often experience pain, corns, calluses, redness, or irritation where the toe rubs against shoes. The bent joint may become stiff, swollen, or increasingly uncomfortable during standing or walking.

Some individuals also notice difficulty fitting into certain shoes or pain developing in the ball of the foot as pressure distribution changes.

Hammertoes may appear mild initially but can gradually become more rigid and painful if left untreated. Professional evaluation helps determine whether the deformity remains flexible or if structural changes have become more advanced.

We assess toe alignment, joint flexibility, foot mechanics, and contributing factors so treatment can be tailored to the patient’s symptoms and activity level.

Treatment depends on the severity of the deformity and the amount of discomfort present. Conservative care often includes footwear modifications, padding, splinting, orthotics, stretching, and pressure reduction strategies designed to improve comfort and slow progression.

When hammertoes become rigid, painful, or difficult to manage with conservative care, surgical correction may be recommended to improve alignment and restore function.

Addressing hammertoes early may help reduce pressure on surrounding joints and prevent worsening deformity over time. Supportive footwear and ongoing podiatric care can also help maintain comfort and mobility during daily activity.

Long-term management focuses on improving foot mechanics while reducing irritation and abnormal pressure.

At Medford Foot & Ankle Clinic, P.C., in Medford, OR, serving Grants Pass & Central Point, OR, we provide professional care for hammertoes and other complex foot and ankle conditions. Call us at (541) 770-1225 to schedule an appointment.