Skip to navigation Skip to Content

Search

Menu
Search Marshfield Clinic Health System
Join a world-class health system. Find jobs

Hammer Toe

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​A hammer toe is a deformity in which the first joint of the toe is cocked upward and middle joint downward to form a peak in the middle of the toe.

In many cases this condition comes as a result of wearing shoes that don't fit properly. 

​Marshfield Clinic has orthopedic specialists who are expertly trained in treatment of this issue.

Treatments

Depending on the severity of the hammer toe, your physician may recommend surgical and non-surgical treatments.

​Lifestyle changes

If the hammer toe is not too advanced, changing to better fitting shoes may allow the toes to return to their normal position.

Surgery

If other treatments are not successful, your physician may recommend surgery to correct the alignment of the toe. Surgical options include:

  • Arthroplasty - involves reconstruction or replacement of the affected joint. A small incision is made on top of the toe and one side of the joint is removed, releasing tension on the ligaments and tendons aligning the toe into its proper position.
  • Arthrodesis - more commonly known as "joint fusion." In this case the surgeon removes part of the joint to allow the remaining bones to realign and fuse back together.
  • Tendon adjustment - the surgeon may cut the supporting tissue and move tendons in order to realign the toe.

 

Request Appointment

Contact us for care

If this is a medical emergency, call 911.

Call: 1-866-520-2510

(Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

 Insole advice for tired feet Insole advice for tired feet

Do you have pain in your feet that just won’t go away? Have a little room in your shoes? Insoles, or orthotics, may be right for you.... Read more


More foot & ankle stories:

Video: Ankle exercises to relieve arthritis pain

Proper fitting hiking footwear prevents sore feet

8 steps for ankle strengthening after injury


Related Specialties