Hammertoes

Hammertoes are one of the most common foot abnormalities, affecting people of all ages. At Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center, in West Covina, California, experienced podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Artin Shakhbandaryan, DPM, specializes in diagnosing and treating hammertoes with conservative and cutting-edge surgical techniques. Dr. Shakbandaryan develops personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s aims and needs. Call the nearest Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center office today to schedule a hammertoe consultation, or book your visit online.

Do hammertoes make it hard to walk?

They can. A hammertoe forms when the ligaments and tendons that support your toe weaken or become injured. This causes your middle toe joint to stay bent in a hammerhead-like position, resulting in pain, stiffness, and in some cases, mobility problems. 

Don’t wait to seek treatment if you think you have a hammertoe. Without intervention, your joint can lock and stay bent in a fixed position.

What are the symptoms of hammertoes?

Hammertoe symptoms include the following:

• A rigid or stiff toe joint
• Corns or calluses on the top of the affected toe joint
• Pain in the ball of your foot
• Redness and inflammation
• Swelling at the joint
• Difficulty walking

As the condition worsens, you might develop an open wound on top of your toe, increasing your risk of infection.

How does a podiatrist diagnose hammertoes?

Dr. Shakhbandaryan reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your toe. He checks for an abnormal bend in your toe and looks for bruising or swelling. Dr. Shakbandaryan carefully moves your toe back and forth to assess its range of motion and gently presses on the ball of your foot to identify sensitive places.

Most hammertoes are easy to identify, but Dr. Shakhbandaryan might also order X-rays to check the alignment of your toe bones and toe joints.

How does a podiatrist treat hammertoes?

At Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. Shakhbandaryan treats hammertoes using a conservative, patient-centered approach. Because everyone has different needs, he recommends personalized care instead of cookie-cutter solutions. Dr. Shakhbandaryan might suggest:

• Taping your toes to support the muscle and tendon imbalance
• Insulating padding to reduce pressure
• Custom orthotics
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Corticosteroid injections

You might benefit from surgery if your symptoms continue or worsen. During hammertoe surgery, Dr. Shakhbandaryan realigns your toe joint and may insert a temporary wire to improve your toe’s position.

What is recovery like after hammertoe surgery?

Recovery after hammertoe surgery usually takes four to six weeks. During that time, it’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. Take your medication as prescribed, follow Dr. Shakbandaryan’s instructions, and attend all of your follow-up visits.

Call the nearest Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center office today to schedule hammertoe treatment, or book your appointment online.