Hammertoes

When painful hammertoes are no longer treatable with orthotics, taping, padding and other conservative therapies, you may be a candidate for surgery. At Eazy Foot & Ankle, Albert Elhiani, DPM, offers minimally invasive surgical solutions in-office to relieve hammertoe pain within minutes. Dr. Elhiani can also recommend footwear improvements and lifestyle changes to prevent additional hammertoes and other foot complications. Call the office in the Pico Robertson area of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, California, to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for hammertoes or book an appointment online today. 

What are hammertoes?

Hammertoe is a condition that develops when your toe bends downward at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. The deformity can affect any of your toes but is most common in the second toe.

In the early stages of hammertoe, your toe may remain flexible, but if left untreated, the position of your toe can become fixed and require surgery.

Hammertoes typically develop because of an imbalance in the muscles that press on your toe tendons and joints. This pressure can tighten your muscles and result in the painful bending of the toes. You might be at greater risk for hammertoes if you wear shoes that are too tight or narrow.

When should I seek treatment for hammertoes?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Eazy Foot & Ankle if you notice a bend in your second, third, or fourth toes. Other symptoms of hammertoes can include:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Difficulties walking
• Corns or calluses

Dr. Elhiani physically examines your toes, checking their flexibility and alignment. He may also order X-rays to assess the inner structures of your toes and feet. 

Based on your evaluation, Dr. Elhiani customizes a treatment plan to relieve your discomfort and improve the health of your toes.

How are hammertoes treated?

Your initial treatment plan for hammertoes may involve changing your footwear and using custom orthotics to cushion your toes. Dr. Elhiani can also teach you exercises that stretch your foot muscles to prevent a worsening of the muscle imbalance.

If your hammertoes become inflexible, surgery can provide instant relief from painful hammertoes. Eazy Foot & Ankle offers a myriad of outpatient surgery options depending on the severity of the deformity. Dr. Elhiani puts an emphasis on minimally invasive surgery and absorbable implants.

During hammertoe surgery, Dr. Elhiani makes an incision in your toe to correct the muscle imbalance. He may make minimally invasive bone cuts or remove part of your toe bone to keep your toes in alignment. In a matter of minutes, Dr. Elhiani corrects the abnormal bend to improve your mobility. 

After hammertoe surgery, you need to wear a splint or special shoe for 2-4 weeks while your toe heals. It’s normal for the treated toe to be sore and swollen for a while after your procedure. Dr. Elhiani monitors your healing process during follow-up appointments.

Call Eazy Foot & Ankle to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for hammertoes or book an appointment online today.