Hammertoe Treatment in San Dimas
A hammertoe can make shoes uncomfortable and put painful pressure on the toe. Treatment can help reduce irritation, improve comfort, and keep the toe from becoming more rigid over time.
Know the Signs
Signs of a Hammertoe
A hammertoe usually develops gradually, starting flexible and becoming more rigid over time without treatment.
- A toe that curls or bends downward
- Pain or a corn on top of the bent joint
- Difficulty finding comfortable, well fitting shoes
- Muscle or tendon imbalance in the toe
- A toe that overlaps or rubs against its neighbor
When to Come See Us
- A toe that curls or bends downward and won't straighten
- Pain or a corn forming on top of the bent joint
- Difficulty finding comfortable, well fitting shoes
- A toe that's become rigid or increasingly painful over time
How We Treat Hammertoe
Treatment depends on how flexible the toe still is and how much discomfort it's causing. This helps determine whether conservative care is likely to be enough or if a procedure may be a better option.
Relieve Pressure and Improve Comfort
Roomier shoes, padding, toe splints, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises can help reduce pressure and keep the hammertoe from getting worse.
Surgical Correction
If the toe is fixed in position and conservative treatments are no longer helping, surgery may be recommended to correct the joint and relieve pain. Dr. Oghoorian will explain what to expect before and after the procedure.
For hammertoes that continue to cause pain or difficulty with footwear, surgical correction may be recommended. Dr. Oghoorian has experience performing hammertoe surgery and will assess your condition to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
In its early, flexible stage, a hammertoe often responds well to padding, footwear changes, and orthotics. Once it becomes rigid, conservative options are more limited.
No. A bunion affects the big toe joint, while a hammertoe affects the middle joint of one of the smaller toes, though the two can occur together.
Wider toe box footwear, padding, toe splints, and custom orthotics are the most effective non-surgical options, especially when the toe is still flexible.
Yes, in most cases. Hammertoes tend to become more rigid and painful over time without treatment, which is why earlier conservative care tends to work better than waiting.
Look for a board certified podiatrist with experience in both conservative and surgical hammertoe care. Dr. Oghoorian offers both, starting with the least invasive option that fits your case.
Don't Let Hammertoe Keep Getting Worse
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Oghoorian to explore treatment options that can relieve pressure, improve comfort, and help prevent further progression.