Hammertoes in The Woodlands, TX

What Are Hammertoes?

A hammertoe is a contracture of the toe caused by a muscle imbalance between the tendons on the top and bottom of the toe. The result is a bent, hammer-shaped joint that often becomes more pronounced over time.

Hammertoes can be flexible or rigid. Flexible hammertoes can still be straightened by hand, while rigid hammertoes have stiffened in place and cannot be manually corrected. Without treatment, flexible deformities tend to progress into rigid ones.

Common Signs and Symptoms

• A visibly bent toe joint, often the second, third, or fourth toe
• Corns on the top of the toe from constant shoe friction
• A painful callus on the ball of the foot
• Difficulty finding comfortable footwear
• Pain when walking or standing for long periods

If the big toe is affected, the condition is called a hallux hammertoe, which is addressed separately. Hammertoes often accompany other toe and toenail problems, and our team can evaluate your entire foot during your visit.

Treatment Options for Hammertoes

Treatment falls into three categories: preventative, symptomatic, and curative. Your podiatrist will recommend the right course of treatment based on the severity of the deformity and your lifestyle.

Preventative Care

Custom functional orthotics—think of them as contact lenses for your feet—correct the abnormal foot mechanics that cause hammertoes in the first place. When paired with calf-stretching exercises, orthotics can slow progression and even help flexible hammertoes straighten on their own.

Symptomatic Relief

Open-toed shoes, hammertoe pads, and supportive footwear can reduce daily pain. Over-the-counter corn removers should be used with caution and never by patients with diabetes or poor circulation. In-office physical therapy and MLS laser therapy—an FDA-cleared treatment with an 85–90% efficacy rate in reducing pain and inflammation—can also ease discomfort and accelerate healing.

Surgical Correction

For flexible hammertoes, a simple tendon release often requires only a single stitch and a quick recovery. Rigid hammertoes may need removal of a small section of bone at the affected joint, with sutures in place for about ten days. More severe cases may require a pin or joint fusion. Most patients return to a stiff-soled walking shoe within about two weeks.

What to Expect During Recovery

Mild swelling is normal and may last several weeks. Keeping the area dry, staying off the foot as much as possible, and following all post-operative instructions are key to a smooth recovery. Most simple procedures are performed in-office under local anesthesia, while more complex corrections are performed at an outpatient surgery center.

Why Choose Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists for Hammertoe Care in The Woodlands, TX?

For more than 20 years, Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists has served Houston-area families with a reputation built on word-of-mouth trust, compassion, and excellent outcomes. Dr. Sweeney and Dr. Leahey are both board-certified Fellows of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, offering both conservative and surgical solutions tailored to each patient.

At our practice, prompt appointments, a warm and welcoming environment, and a patient-centered approach make every visit feel personal—whether you’re a child, an athlete, a busy parent, or an active senior.