Hammer Toe Specialist

Philadelphia Podiatry Associates

Podiatrists located in Philadelphia, PA

If you are developing a hammer toe, a condition in which the joint of a toe bends inward and over your other toes, call or book an appointment online to meet with Dr. David Geltzer or Dr. Neil Rapoport at Philadelphia Podiatry Associates. Patients from throughout Philadelphia, Pennsylvania can count on our doctors for effective hammer toe treatment and care.

Hammer Toe Q & A

What are hammer toes?

A hammer toe occurs when the middle joint of the toe becomes bent in an unusual direction, typically inward toward the rest of the foot, but the distortion can be in any direction. This causes a stiffness in the toe that is often painful and causes stiffness in the foot muscles. Once this hammer toe develops, it causes friction in other areas of the skin that cause additional more discomfort.

Although a hammer toe can occur on any toe, it is primarily found on the second toe. Due to the type of shoes worn, hammer toes are more common in women. If you have a hammer toe or are showing signs of developing one, Dr. Geltzer and Dr. Rapoport can diagnose and treat your condition while also providing pain relief.  

What causes hammer toes?

Ill-fitting shoes can cause hammer toes to develop. For example, high heels put excess stress on the toe joints leading to deformity and pain. Narrow, pointed toe shoes also can lead to hammer toes. Your toes work together to help you walk, run, and balance. Incorrect pressure on one area can cause small bones in the foot to be pushed off track. Once off track, hammer toe development becomes more likely. A foot injury can cause hammer toes to develop. Finally, if you have a family history of hammer toe, you are at a higher risk of developing the same condition. Dr. Geltzer and Dr. Rapoport understand all of this and are dedicated to helping you find relief from painful hammer toes.  

How are hammer toes treated?

After meeting with Dr. Geltzer or Dr. Rapoport, you’ll be given a variety of options to treat hammer toes. In most cases, you’ll be advised to change your shoes the wrong shoes can cause discomfort and worsen hammer toes. Physical therapy is often recommended to strengthen the muscles of your foot and improve flexibility. Orthotics can control the deforming forces causing the deformity, thereby slowing the progression of the hammertoe.

In extreme cases, surgery may be required to reset the bone position. Dr. Geltzer and Dr. Rapoport use their expertise to treat hammer toes with the least amount of pain possible and prescribe treatments that will restore your foot and help you get back to the activities and hobbies you love.