Hammer Toe Treatment Doctor in Scottsdale, AZ

At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, our experienced podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating hammer toe—a common foot deformity that affects the joints of your toes, causing them to bend downward instead of pointing straight ahead. Typically developing in the second, third, or fourth toes, hammer toes create an abnormal bend at the middle joint, giving the toe a claw-like or hammer-like appearance. Initially, hammer toes are often flexible and may be easily corrected, but without proper intervention, they can become rigid, permanently bent, and increasingly painful, making walking and wearing shoes difficult.

Our specialists understand that hammer toes frequently result from muscle and tendon imbalances within the foot. These imbalances commonly occur due to improper footwear, such as tight or narrow shoes, high heels, or footwear lacking sufficient toe space. Continuous pressure from inappropriate footwear forces toes into unnatural positions, causing muscles and tendons to tighten or shorten. Additionally, we recognize that certain foot conditions—like bunions, flat feet, or high arches—can increase your risk of developing hammer toes due to altered foot mechanics and uneven distribution of body weight.

Other factors contributing to hammer toe deformities include toe injuries, inherited foot shapes, arthritis, and nerve damage associated with conditions like diabetes, which can weaken muscles and lead to imbalances. At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, our dedicated podiatrists emphasize early recognition and tailored treatments, including proper footwear recommendations, customized exercises, and conservative therapies to relieve symptoms, enhance foot function, and prevent the progression of hammer toe deformities.

Hammer toe is a common condition we frequently treat. It occurs when the toe joints become deformed, causing the affected toe to bend downward rather than pointing straight ahead. While surgery can effectively correct severe cases, our specialists emphasize a comprehensive approach with various non-surgical treatments to relieve pain, enhance flexibility, and slow the progression of this condition.

At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, we prioritize patient education and preventive care. One essential recommendation we provide to our patients is selecting appropriate footwear. Choosing shoes with deep, roomy toe boxes that give ample space for the toes can significantly reduce pressure, irritation, and discomfort. Additionally, wearing shoes with low heels and proper arch support helps minimize strain on the toes, alleviating symptoms and promoting healthier feet.

We also offer personalized orthotic solutions to help manage hammer toe effectively. Custom orthotics, as well as over-the-counter shoe inserts, pads, cushions, and insoles, can redistribute pressure away from the affected toe, providing comfort and reducing complications such as corns, calluses, or blisters. Our specialists may also recommend toe separators or specialized splints to gently realign the toes and reduce friction between them.

Physical therapy is another valuable tool that our team at Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians frequently utilizes. We customize gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to each patient’s unique needs, improving toe and foot flexibility, reducing discomfort, and potentially slowing further progression of the deformity.

For managing inflammation and pain, our podiatrists can recommend appropriate anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Additionally, we educate our patients on effective home care techniques such as icing or elevating the foot, which can significantly reduce swelling and discomfort. If corns or calluses are causing pain, our specialists can safely and professionally remove or reduce these problem areas in-office.

Lifestyle modifications, including maintaining a healthy weight, are also encouraged by our practice, as they help decrease pressure on the feet and improve overall foot health.

At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, we understand each patient’s situation is unique. Our experienced podiatrists are dedicated to providing individualized care—evaluating the severity and progression of your hammer toe and developing a tailored treatment plan to help you achieve optimal foot health and comfort.

At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, our specialists understand that deciding on surgery for hammer toe is an important step and one we take only after exhausting conservative treatment options. Initially, our podiatrists will explore non-surgical approaches tailored to your specific needs, including roomier footwear, custom orthotic inserts, and targeted stretching or strengthening exercises.

However, when conservative measures no longer provide sufficient relief, hammer toe surgery may become necessary. Surgical intervention is often recommended if you experience persistent toe pain, difficulty walking, severe deformity, or uncomfortable corns and calluses caused by friction and pressure. Additionally, if your hammer toe is becoming rigid or significantly impacting the alignment and function of adjacent toes or foot structures, surgery may help restore proper foot mechanics and enhance your quality of life.

At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, we personalize your surgical treatment plan based on the severity and rigidity of your hammer toe, your overall health, and your lifestyle goals. Our experienced podiatric surgeons utilize advanced surgical techniques designed to straighten the affected joint, alleviate pain, and improve both foot function and appearance.

If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort or believe your hammer toe condition is progressing, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our skilled foot and ankle specialists. We’ll thoroughly evaluate your condition, clearly outline your options, and help you determine if surgery is the best solution to get you back on your feet comfortably.

Hammer toe is characterized by an abnormal bend in the middle joint of the toe, often resulting from muscle imbalance or pressure from poorly fitting footwear. At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, our podiatrists emphasize proactive measures to reduce your risk of developing hammer toe or preventing its progression.

Selecting shoes with adequate space in the toe box and avoiding tight or narrow footwear can significantly decrease pressure on your toes. Our specialists recommend wearing comfortable shoes with lower heels instead of high heels to help lessen stress on your feet, minimizing the likelihood of hammer toe formation.

Our team also advises patients on simple yet effective foot exercises that can strengthen toe muscles, enhance flexibility, and prevent muscle imbalances associated with hammer toes. Exercises such as toe stretches, toe curls, and picking up small objects with your toes are highly beneficial for maintaining foot health.

Regular self-examination and awareness of early toe deformities are also crucial. Early detection allows our experienced podiatrists at Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians to provide timely intervention, potentially stopping progression and eliminating discomfort. Our dedicated team is here to help you prevent, diagnose, and effectively manage hammer toes and other foot-related conditions. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 11390 E. Via Linda, Ste 102, Scottsdale, AZ 85259. We serve patients from Scottsdale AZ, Fountain Hills AZ, Paradise Valley AZ, Carefree AZ, Rio Verde AZ, and surrounding areas.