Hammertoe

Hammertoe Specialist in Kansas City, MO


What Is Hammertoe?

Hammertoe, also known as mallet toe, is a physical deformity that affects the toes on your feet. While it’s typically limited to the second, third, or fourth toes, it can affect any toes on your feet. Hammertoe is usually the result of an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that keep your toes straight. Hammertoe gets its name because of the appearance your toe takes on when it’s afflicted. The toe becomes unnaturally bent in the middle at the joint nearest the toenail. This causes it to rise in the middle and bend slightly at the end.

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What are the Symptoms of Hammertoe?

The most apparent sign of hammertoe is the physical appearance of your foot. Hammer Toes will show obvious signs of deformity in how they’re shaped. Aside from physical evidence, you will also experience pain when you walk or move the affected toe. You will also be more prone to corns and calluses forming on your hammertoe because it will rub more aggressively against your shoes and socks than the rest of your toes. Our top-rated orthopedic doctors in Kansas City will be able to diagnose your issues and create a hammertoe treatment plan.

What Causes Hammertoe?

Several factors can cause a structural imbalance in the tendons, muscles, or ligaments, which can result in the development of a hammertoe.

Wearing the wrong shoes

High heel shoes or too tight or narrow shoes will cause your toes to crowd together and bend unnaturally.

A physical trauma

Cuts, breaking, or jamming a specific toe will put it at more risk for hammertoe.

Having your toe bent for too long

Having your toe in a position for too long where the muscles and tendons cannot straighten out can also result in a hammertoe.

If you think you may have a hammertoe, book an appointment or visit one of our Kansas City orthopedic walk-in clinics.

What is the Treatment for Hammertoe?

Most cases of hammertoe can be repaired without surgery. Non-surgical hammer toe treatments include wearing appropriate shoes and exercising the affected toe. However, you may require tendon lengthening surgery, a tendon transfer, or arthrodesis in extreme cases. It’s best to catch hammertoe early so our hammertoe specialists in Kansas City can repair the issue without surgery.

No matter how severe your hammertoe condition is, we are here to provide assistance and enable you to regain the normal functioning of your feet. If all other forms of hammertoe treatment fail, our orthopedic surgeons can help you. We offer a range of treatment options including steroid or plasma injections, shock wave therapy, or surgery to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone, to effectively treat your condition. We are committed to providing efficient and effective solutions to your hammertoe condition. At Orthopedic Health of Kansas City, we opt for less invasive measures first, recommending treatment such as corrective plantar fasciitis surgery when needed.

Hammertoe Treatment Doctors

If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, please contact Orthopedic Health of Kansas City and make an appointment with one of our Kansas City ankle and foot specialists. You can also visit one of our orthopedic urgent walk-in clinics for immediate care. Our specialists will perform a complete examination, diagnosing and treating any problem. From simple physical therapy to complicated surgery, you’re in good hands with Orthopedic Health of Kansas City, and we will do what it takes to get you active again.