Podiatrists located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
If your toe looks curled, bent, or sticks up instead of lying flat, you may have a hammer toe. This condition affects people of all ages and can make walking, standing, or wearing shoes uncomfortable. At Fit Feet Podiatry in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, we help patients just like you find relief and get back to walking without pain. Whether your toe pain is mild or getting worse, our hammer toe specialist is here to listen, examine, and guide you through treatment.
Many patients come in unsure of what’s going on. They might say their toe is stiff, rubs against their shoes, or feels like it’s getting more painful over time. That’s exactly what hammer toe can do. It may start as a flexible joint problem but, without proper care, can become rigid and more difficult to treat. Early care can make a big difference.
A hammer toe is a deformity of the second, third, or fourth toe where the middle joint bends downward. This can cause the toe to look like a hammer, pointing downward instead of lying flat. Over time, this condition can lead to:
Toe stiffness or immobility.
Pain when wearing shoes.
Corns and calluses from friction.
Swelling and redness.
Difficulty walking.
Hammer toes often start as a soft, flexible problem but can become rigid and fixed without care. The earlier you get treatment, the more options you’ll have for recovery.
Several factors may lead to hammer toe development. Common causes include:
Wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes.
Imbalance in the foot muscles or tendons.
Arthritis or joint conditions.
Foot injuries or trauma.
Genetics and foot structure.
Our hammer toe podiatrist will evaluate your feet, your gait, and your footwear to determine the cause and recommend the best treatment approach.
You should schedule an appointment with a hammer toe specialist if:
Your toe bends abnormally or appears stuck in position.
You have pain in your toe when wearing shoes or walking.
Corns or calluses are forming on the top of the bent toe.
The joint feels stiff or hard to move.
The deformity is getting worse over time.
Even if your symptoms seem minor, early treatment can prevent long-term issues. We’ve helped many patients in Williamsburg, Brooklyn catch this condition early and avoid surgery altogether.
At Fit Feet Podiatry, we offer both conservative and advanced options for hammer toe treatment. Your plan will be personalized based on the flexibility of the joint, the severity of symptoms, and your lifestyle needs.
For flexible hammer toes and early-stage deformities, we may recommend:
Shoe modifications to allow more space in the toe box.
Custom orthotics to support proper alignment.
Toe splints or cushions to reduce rubbing.
Corn and callus care to prevent irritation.
Stretching exercises to maintain flexibility.
Anti-inflammatory treatments to relieve pain.
These options can significantly reduce pain and prevent further deformity. We’ll work with you to find solutions that fit into your daily routine.
If your hammer toe is rigid, severely painful, or limiting your mobility, surgical correction may be the best option. Our hammer toe doctor performs minimally invasive procedures to realign the joint and relieve discomfort. We’ll explain the surgical process, recovery timeline, and what you can expect so you can make an informed decision.
We’re more than just a foot clinic. We’re part of your neighborhood. Patients across Brooklyn, New York trust Fit Feet Podiatry because we take the time to listen, explain, and guide them through every step of their care.
You’ll never feel rushed. You’ll always leave with a clear understanding of what’s going on and what you can do to feel better.
When you choose us, you can expect:
A thorough foot exam and honest diagnosis.
A personalized plan based on your specific needs.
Expert care from a board-certified hammer toe podiatrist.
Friendly staff and a comfortable, welcoming office.
A commitment to helping you return to daily life without pain.
You don’t have to live with toe pain. You don’t have to avoid certain shoes or activities. Whether your hammer toe just started bothering you or you’ve had it for years, we’re here to help.
Patients across Williamsburg come to us because they want real answers and long-term relief. We’ll help you take care of your feet so you can stay active, comfortable, and confident.
If you’re ready to get help from a trusted hammer toe specialist in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, call Fit Feet Podiatry today. Our team will make you feel at ease and provide the expert care your feet deserve.
Book your appointment online or give us a call. We’re here to help you walk with ease, one step at a time.
A hammertoe is a common foot deformity that prevents you from straightening one or more toes completely. If an imbalance in your toe muscles, tendons, or ligaments occurs, it causes your affected toe to bend in a hammerhead-like shape. Hammertoe can occur in any of your toes, but the second, third, and fourth toes are most commonly affected. Left untreated, a hammertoe may lead to a permanent deformity.
The most obvious sign of a hammertoe is an abnormal bend in one of the joints of your middle toes. You might also notice that wiggling the affected toe or putting pressure on it is painful. It’s also common for corns and calluses to form on toes affected by hammertoe.
Podiatrists aren’t entirely sure what causes hammertoes, but there are a few factors thought to play a role. For example, if you wear tight shoes such as high heels that feature a narrow toe box, you’re more likely to experience hammertoes. Other culprits include trauma–such as stubbing your toe or suffering a sports-related injury–and an abnormal balance of the toe muscles, which can cause your toe to contract.
Anyone can develop a hammertoe, but there are certain factors that can increase your risk, including:
Having diabetesYou’re also more likely to develop a hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe. If you have a bunion, it’s also possible to develop a hammertoe on the same foot.
Most hammertoes are visible to the naked eye. However, to confirm your diagnosis, Dr. Stepensky at Fit Feet Podiatry physically examines your foot, takes a series of X-rays, and asks you about the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Dr. Stepensky typically recommends conservative, noninvasive methods of treatment to relieve pain and discomfort caused by hammertoes. If you can still bend your affected toe, he might recommend wearing more comfortable, padded shoes that feature a larger toe box, custom orthotics, or splinting. He may also ask you to perform at-home exercises designed to strengthen your toe muscles and prevent further deterioration.
If conservative measures of treatment don’t provide significant relief, surgical intervention may be necessary. During hammertoe surgery, Dr. Stepensky releases the tendon that’s preventing your toe from lying flat.
Hammertoes are painful and unsightly, but they’re also relatively easy to treat. Book your appointment at Fit Feet Podiatry today by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool.
