The Dos and Don’ts of Hammertoe

A hammertoe might seem like nothing more than a cosmetic concern — it’s one of the most common forefoot conditions — but this progressive deformity can lead to chronic pain and difficulty walking if left untreated.

A hammertoe occurs when your toe bends downward at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like appearance. While it may start as a minor annoyance, the condition typically worsens over time as the tendons and ligaments in your toe become increasingly imbalanced. 

Ryan Goldfine, DPM, at Ankle & Foot Centers of Georgia, with two locations in Marietta, Georgia, helps patients manage hammertoes and prevent them from becoming permanent deformities.

If you have an early-stage hammertoe or want to prevent one from developing, these dos and don’ts can help protect your feet.

Do: Switch to shoes with a roomy toe box

Tight, narrow shoes are one of the primary causes of hammertoe development and progression. When your toes are cramped together, they're forced into unnatural positions that stress the joints and supporting tendons.

Look for shoes with a wide, deep toe box that allows your toes to lie flat and spread naturally. Your toes should have enough room to wiggle without touching the front or sides of the shoe. 

Don’t: Ignore early warning signs

Many people dismiss the early stages of hammertoe as a minor irritation, but these red flags point to issues you shouldn’t ignore:

• A toe that’s starting to curl or bend downward at the middle joint
• Stiffness when you try to straighten your toe
• Pain or discomfort in the affected toe, especially when wearing shoes
• Corns or calluses developing on top of the bent joint
• Redness or inflammation around the toe joint
• Difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably

In the early stages, hammertoes are still flexible and respond well to conservative treatment. Waiting too long causes the deformity to become rigid, meaning the toe can no longer straighten on its own.

Do: Wear custom orthotics

Custom orthotics address the underlying foot mechanics that contribute to the formation of hammertoes. Many hammertoes develop because of an imbalance in how your foot distributes weight when you walk.

We design orthotics that support your arch, redistribute pressure, and help keep your toes in proper alignment. When combined with appropriate footwear, orthotics can prevent flexible hammertoes from progressing and reduce the pain associated with existing deformities.

Don’t: Attempt an at-home fix

It's tempting to trim corns and calluses that develop on hammertoes, but this DIY approach often does more harm than good. Using sharp instruments on your feet can lead to cuts, infections, and further complications, especially if you have diabetes or circulation problems.

We can safely remove these buildups and, more importantly, address the underlying cause of the hammertoe that led to their development in the first place.

Do: Practice toe exercises and stretches

Gentle exercises can help maintain flexibility in the early stages of hammertoe. Simple movements, such as picking up marbles with your toes, stretching your toes with your hands, or using your toes to scrunch a towel, can help strengthen the muscles and keep your joints mobile.

These exercises are most effective when started early and performed consistently. We can demonstrate proper technique and create an exercise plan tailored to your specific situation.

Don’t: Wait until pain becomes unbearable

Some people delay treatment until their hammertoe becomes so severe that it makes it nearly impossible to wear shoes or walk comfortably. By this point, conservative treatments are far less effective, and surgery is often the only remaining option.

The best time to address a hammertoe is when you first notice it. Early intervention provides the widest range of treatment options and offers the best chance of avoiding surgery altogether.

Do: Consider surgery when conservative treatment fails

If you’ve tried proper footwear, orthotics, padding, and exercises without relief, surgery may be your best option. Modern hammertoe surgery is minimally invasive and effective.

We perform several types of hammertoe correction procedures, depending on the severity of your deformity and whether the toe is still flexible. Recovery times vary, but most patients return to regular activities within a few weeks.

Get expert hammertoe treatment in Marietta, GA

Whether you're noticing the first signs of a hammertoe or dealing with a painful deformity that's affecting your daily life, our team can help. We offer both conservative treatments and advanced surgical options to restore your foot health and help you move comfortably.

Call Ankle & Foot Centers of Georgia at 678-552-1108 or request an appointment online today