Hammer toe is a common foot deformity that causes the toes to bend abnormally at the middle joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. If left untreated, hammer toe can worsen over time and may require surgical correction. At FitFeet in Merrick, NY, our podiatrists specialize in non-surgical and surgical treatments to relieve discomfort and restore proper toe alignment.
Hammer toe is a common foot deformity that causes the toes to bend abnormally at the middle joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. If left untreated, hammer toe can worsen over time and may require surgical correction. At FitFeet in Merrick, NY, our podiatrists specialize in non-surgical and surgical treatments to relieve discomfort and restore proper toe alignment.
Hammer toe occurs when the toe muscles and tendons become imbalanced, causing the toe to bend downward instead of lying flat. It most commonly affects the second, third, or fourth toes and can result from:
✔ Ill-fitting footwear – Shoes that are too tight or have high heels can force the toes into a bent position.
✔ Muscle or tendon imbalance – When foot muscles become weak, they can pull the toe into an abnormal shape.
✔ Arthritis and joint issues – Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis can contribute to toe deformities.
✔ Genetics – Some people are more prone to developing hammer toe due to their foot structure.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s time to visit a hammer toe specialist in Merrick:
✔ Bent or curled toe that won’t straighten
✔ Pain or discomfort when walking or wearing shoes
✔ Corns or calluses from rubbing against footwear
✔ Redness or swelling around the affected toe
✔ Restricted movement in the toe joint
Hammer toe can be flexible (still able to move) or rigid (stiff and immobile). Early treatment is key to preventing it from becoming permanent and painful.
At FitFeet in Merrick, we offer both conservative and surgical treatments for hammer toe, depending on severity.
If your hammer toe is still flexible, we focus on non-invasive treatments to relieve pain and restore toe function:
✔ Custom Orthotics – Specialized shoe inserts to support proper foot alignment and reduce pressure on the toes.
✔ Toe Splints & Padding – Helps straighten the toe and prevent friction from shoes.
✔ Stretching & Physical Therapy – Strengthens foot muscles to improve balance and alignment.
✔ Proper Footwear Recommendations – We guide you in selecting comfortable, wide-toe box shoes to reduce pressure.
✔ Corn & Callus Treatment – We safely remove painful corns and calluses caused by hammer toe friction.
If your hammer toe is rigid and causing significant pain or mobility issues, surgery may be necessary. We offer minimally invasive procedures to correct the toe’s position, including:
✔ Tendon Release (Tenotomy) – Releases tight tendons to allow the toe to straighten.
✔ Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis) – Fuses the affected toe joint to keep it flat.
✔ Bone Removal (Osteotomy) – Removes a small section of bone to realign the toe.
Our expert podiatrists in Merrick will assess your condition and recommend the best treatment approach for lasting relief.
✔ Wear Supportive Shoes – Choose low-heeled, wide-toe shoes to prevent pressure on the toes.
✔ Stretch Your Toes & Feet – Regular stretching can help maintain flexibility.
✔ Use Toe Separators – Helps prevent toes from crowding and overlapping.
✔ Stay Active – Keeping foot muscles strong can help maintain proper toe alignment.
Don’t let hammer toe limit your mobility or comfort. At FitFeet in Merrick, we offer personalized treatment plans to relieve pain and restore natural toe function.
Take the first step toward pain-free movement—schedule your hammer toe consultation today!A bunion is a painful, bony bump that develops on the joint at the base of your big toe. Bunions occur if one or more bones in the front portion of your foot become misaligned, causing your big toe to pull forward and put pressure on your smaller toes. Ultimately, this causes the joint at the bottom of your big toe to push outward, leading to stiffness, swelling, and redness.
Bunions develop for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, they’re the result of wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes with a small toe box. Other times, they occur as a result of a foot deformity or a chronic medical condition such as osteoarthritis.
The symptoms associated with bunions depend on their size, location, and the underlying cause. However, telltale signs include:
As a bunion progresses, you might also have difficulty finding a pair of shoes that fit comfortably over the bunion, or you might develop hammertoe.
To diagnose bunions, Dr. Stepensky at Fit Feet Podiatry physically examines your foot, asks you questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing, and takes a series of orthopedic X-rays. He might also ask you to stand up, sit down, and walk around the exam room so he can monitor your gait and posture.
Whenever possible, Dr. Stepensky uses conservative, integrative treatments to relieve bunion pain. If your bunion isn’t interfering with your mobility, he might recommend wearing a different pair of shoes with a wider toe box and additional padding. On the other hand, if your bunion causes you pain, custom orthotics or cortisone injections might be necessary.
If your pain persists for months at a time with little or no relief even after conservative measures of care, surgical intervention may be necessary. Dr. Stepensky offers minimally invasive bunionectomy procedures using arthroscopy and endoscopy to relieve swelling, ease pain, and improve your mobility.
If bunions are preventing you from participating in your favorite activities, make an appointment at Fit Feet Podiatry today–call the office or click the online booking tool to begin.
