Hammer & Claw Toe
Relieve Your Condition With Expert Care
Hammertoes, also called claw or mallet toes, refer to toes that are bent in an unnatural way. The offending toe or toes will begin to bend upward and, over time, can become stiff and unbendable. This stiffness can cause you discomfort and pain, creating corns and blisters where your toe rubs against your shoe. They are named after their resemblance to the hammers in a piano.
At Pomona Valley Podiatry Group, we don’t want to just treat your hammertoes in Pomona, CA, and the La Verne and Claremont, CA, areas; we want to educate you. Knowing more about the source of your foot or ankle pain is empowering and allows you to choose a treatment plan that is right for you.
What Causes Hammertoes?
Though toes can curve naturally due to muscle contractions, these contractions can become permanent as a result of:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Neurological conditions such as degenerative disc disease, cerebral palsy, or stroke
- Structural issues in the foot
- Wearing narrow-toed or high-heeled shoes for a long period of time
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Prolonged bed rest
- Acute injuries such as a broken, jammed, or dislocated toe
Symptoms of Hammertoes
Though the most notable symptom of hammertoes is the toe’s signature hammer shape, patients may also report suffering from difficulty walking, corns and calluses, and an inability to wiggle their toes or flex their foot.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Hammertoes
Treatment options for hammertoes depend on what caused the condition, but generally, the pain from hammertoes can be mitigated by switching to more comfortable shoes, encouraging the use of pads or custom insoles that prevent friction, realigning the afflicted toes using splints or pads, and applying over-the-counter creams that provide relief from the pain associated with corns, blisters, or calluses. In severe cases, surgery may be required. At your initial consultation, Dr. O'Neill will perform a thorough evaluation to determine which treatment option will work best for your needs.
Contact Us for Expert Treatment for Hammertoes in Pomona, CA & the La Verne & Claremont, CA, Areas
To experience our 5-star-rated podiatric care, schedule your New Patient Consultation today by calling (909) 622-4501. You may also use our convenient online form. Your appointment includes the following:
- Discuss Your Goals
- X-Rays As Needed
- Complete Exam
- Discover Your Options
- Get started!
During your appointment, we will take the time to answer all your questions about our advanced treatments and technology, our flexible payment options, and anything else you may want to know about us!
