What is a Hammertoe?

The toe contains two joints that allow it to bend in the middle and the bottom. When a patient has a hammertoe, a deformity allows the middle joint to become flexed, or bent downward. This can happen to one toe or all of them and usually develops over time due to arthritis, or ill-fitting footwear. Hammertoes may only be reversible by surgery, but Dr. Frank Killian of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC, will explore non-invasive treatment options first.


If you feel pain in the toes and have difficulty finding shoes due to hammertoe, have no fear. Common causes of hammertoe include a traumatic toe injury, arthritis, an unusually high foot arch, or wearing shoes that don’t fit properly. Treatment for hammertoe typically involves fitting the patient with soft shoes that have roomy toe boxes. Additionally, Dr. Killian may suggest toe exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles.


If you have questions or concerns regarding hammertoe treatment, please give us a call. To learn about services provided at our practice, visit www.newjerseyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Frank Killian of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC, call our Hamilton, NJ, office at 609-585-3200 or our Toms River, NJ, office at 732-557-4266.

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