What is Hammer Toe?
Hammer toe is a deformity in which the toe flexes at the proximal interphalangeal (middle) joint rather than lying straight. It most commonly involves the second or third toe and typically develops gradually due to muscle imbalance, tight or ill-fitting footwear, or degenerative joint disease such as arthritis. Without treatment, the toe may become rigid and painful, rubbing against footwear and causing corns, calluses, or skin breakdown.
We provide evidence-based hammer toe treatment aimed at relieving pain, improving joint function, and preventing progression. Management may include footwear assessment and advice, protective padding, orthoses, targeted exercises, and, when indicated, procedural or surgical correction.
Benefits of Our Hammer Toe Treatment
Our approach aims to address both the symptoms and underlying causes of hammer toes, helping you move comfortably again.
Key benefits of treatment include:
- Relief from pain, pressure, and inflammation
- Reduction of corns and calluses caused by friction
- Improved toe flexibility and joint alignment
- Better shoe comfort and fit
- Prevention of long-term joint stiffness or deformity
Whether your hammer toe is mild or advanced, early intervention offers the best chance of avoiding surgery.
What You Need to Know About Hammer Toes
Who benefits from treatment the most?
Anyone experiencing a toe that bends or curls downward can benefit from an assessment. You may also benefit if you have:
- Pain or pressure when wearing shoes
- A toe that rubs or develops hard skin on top or underneath
- Difficulty straightening one or more toes
- High arches, flat feet, or bunions that affect toe alignment
- A history of arthritis, injury, or wearing tight shoes
Hammer toes are more common in women and older adults, but they can affect anyone who spends long hours on their feet or wears narrow or high-heeled shoes.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Common symptoms of hammer toe include:
- A toe that bends downward, resembling a hammer or claw
- Pain or burning under the ball of the foot or over the affected toe
- Corns or calluses on top of the joint or at the tip of the toe
- Redness, swelling, or tenderness
- Difficulty finding comfortable shoes
One of our podiatrists can usually diagnose the condition through a physical examination. They’ll check your toe flexibility, joint alignment, and gait, and may order an X-ray to assess bone and joint changes.
Hammer toes treatment
If you’re wondering how to fix hammer toe, the first step is understanding that treatment depends on whether the deformity is flexible or rigid.
Non-surgical treatments often provide excellent results in early stages and may include:
- Footwear changes: Wearing shoes with a wider toe box and lower heel to reduce pressure.
- Padding and splints: Protect the toe from rubbing and help it sit in a straighter position.
- Toe exercises: Gentle stretches and strengthening exercises to improve balance between toe muscles.
- Custom orthotics: Supporting foot mechanics to reduce strain and prevent progression.
- Callus and corn removal: Reducing painful friction spots caused by footwear pressure.
If the deformity becomes rigid or painful despite conservative care, hammer toe correction surgery may be recommended. Surgical procedures can involve tendon release, joint realignment, or minor bone adjustment to restore normal alignment and relieve pain.
We will discuss all options with you and guide you through what’s most suitable for your foot.
How It Works
- Assessment: We begin with a full examination of your feet, shoes, and symptoms.
- Diagnosis: We determine whether your hammer toe is flexible or fixed and identify contributing factors.
- Treatment plan: We outline the best approach, starting with conservative management and progressing to surgical intervention if necessary.
- Ongoing care: We provide advice on footwear, exercises, and orthotic use to prevent recurrence.
- Follow-up: Your progress is monitored to ensure the toe stays comfortable and functional.
Why Choose Us?
We combine clinical expertise with a compassionate, hands-on approach. Our podiatrists are experienced in diagnosing and treating hammer toes at all stages, from early discomfort to advanced deformities requiring correction.
We use the latest tools and treatment methods to ensure your care is safe, effective, and tailored to your individual needs. Our focus is always on achieving pain relief, restoring mobility, and helping you return to the activities you enjoy.
We aim to correct the problem early and help you maintain long-term comfort and mobility.
Any questions? Book your consultation online or give our friendly reception team a call at 9555 3044, and we can answer any questions you may have and take the first step towards comfortable, pain-free feet.