Hammertoe Specialist

Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in San Antonio and Kerrville, TX

Hammertoe services offered in San Antonio and Kerrville, TX

If you have a toe that stays bent and is painful to straighten, seek treatment immediately. Early intervention can prevent the toe from locking and provide lasting relief. At South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, board-certified podiatrist Shay Fish, DPM, and the team provide complete care for hammertoes, including custom orthotics, physical therapy, and surgery when necessary. To make an appointment, call the office in Kerrville or San Antonio, Texas, or book online today.

Hammertoe Q&A

What is a hammertoe?

A hammertoe is a painful condition that causes one of your middle toes to stay bent. Without intervention and treatment, your toe joint might freeze in the bent position, making it difficult to stand up, walk, or exercise.

If you have a toe that’s bent, stiff, or generally painful, make an appointment at South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, immediately.

What are the symptoms of a hammertoe?

A hammertoe occurs when one (or more) of your toe joints remains curved. Over time, you might notice that it’s difficult to bend or straighten your toe. If you have a hammertoe, you might also develop corns, calluses, or blisters on the top of your affected toe.

Who is at risk of experiencing a hammertoe?

Several factors may increase your risk of experiencing a hammertoe, including:

Being middle-aged or older
Having abnormally long toes
Being a woman
Having an underlying medical condition, like rheumatoid arthritis

You’re also more likely to experience a hammertoe if you wear shoes that press your toes together, like high heels.

How is a hammertoe diagnosed?

At South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, Dr. Fish and the team diagnose hammertoes during an in-office visit.

Your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, if you’ve tried at-home treatments, and if they interfere with your daily routine.

Next, your provider examines your toes, looking for swelling, redness, or an abnormal bend. They also gently test your toe’s range of motion and order X-rays to evaluate the bones and joints in your toes.

How is a hammertoe treated?

Hammertoe treatment depends on several factors, including your age, the severity of your symptoms, and their impact on your daily routine. Usually, Dr. Fish and the team recommend conservative treatments, including:

Wearing roomier and more comfortable shoes
Shoe inserts or heel pads
Custom orthotics
Toe-strengthening exercises
Toe stretches
Ice

If these treatments don’t provide lasting relief, Dr. Fish might recommend surgery. During hammertoe surgery, your provider uses special tools to release the tendon or ligament holding your toe in a bent position.

To receive treatment for a hammertoe, make an appointment at South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, by calling the nearest office or booking online today.

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