Can a Flexible Hammertoe Deformity Be Reversed Without Surgery?

Hammertoes are one of the most common foot deformities in adults. They change the positioning of your toe joints, so one of your smaller toes bends upward at the middle, rather than lying flat. Treatment can help relieve a hammertoe’s bothersome symptoms. But is medical treatment always necessary?

At Babak Kosari, DPM, in Northridge and Santa Clarita, California, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Babak Kosari, DPM, FACFAS, specializes in hammertoe care. Let’s explore how you can reverse a “flexible” hammertoe deformity without surgery.

Hammertoe causes

Most anyone can develop a hammertoe. The deformity develops when your toes are forced out of a natural position for lengthy amounts of time. This causes supporting muscles and tendons to adapt to the awkward alignment by tightening.

If the added pressure on those tissues carry on, your muscles and tendons can tighten to the point that you can no longer move the affected toe (or toes) out of the bent, claw-like position. Factors that fuel hammertoes include:

• Having a bunion
• Having diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
• Wearing narrow or high-heeled shoes
• Having high arches or flat feet

Increasing age can make hammertoes more likely, too, due to weakened muscles and reduced tendon flexibility that tend to occur over time. Genetics may play a role as well; if a close family member has a hammertoe, your odds could be heightened. 

Hammertoe types and symptoms

There are three types of hammertoes, including flexible, semi-rigid, and rigid. If you have a flexible hammertoe, you can still bend and move it to some degree. A semi-rigid hammertoe is much harder to uncurl. Rigid hammertoes, the most severe kind, allow no movement at all. 

All types of hammertoes cause similar symptoms, such as:

• Chronic foot pain
• Calluses and corns
• Discolored skin 
• Mobility challenges
• Ongoing swelling 

Hammertone pain and swelling — which usually affects the topside of the toe and/or the ball of the foot — often increase when you exercise or wear shoes. 

Flexible hammertoe relief, without surgery

While flexible hammertoes won’t go away on their own, you can find relief without going “under the knife.” Only rigid hammertoes typically require surgery. 

Effective flexible hammertoe treatment can pave the way to relief and keep your deformity from worsening to the point that may need surgery after all. 

After an exam, Dr. Kosari may recommend one or more conservative hammertoe treatments, such as custom orthotics, footwear changes, toe exercises, or over-the-counter pain relievers. 

To learn more about hammertoes or get started with personalized treatment, call your nearest Babak Kosari, DPM, office in Northridge or Santa Clarita, California, today. You can also use our online scheduler to book an appointment at your convenience.