Hammer Toes

Hammer toes, like many foot and ankle issues, can start out as a relatively minor issue, but can progress to become very painful. Here at Dallas DIrect Podiatry, we can evaluate the severity of your hammer toes, and offer multiple treatment options.

dallas, tx podiatrist hammer toe patient

More about Hammertoes.


A hammer toe is a deformity of the toe that results in a curling and contracture of the toes. This can be seen at birth, but often develops later on in life. Pain from hammer toes can be from the toe rubbing on shoes or joint arthritis.

Symptoms of Hammer Toes

Hammer toes can be a painful deformity of the toes. Symptoms include:

• Curling of the toes

• Pain in the small joints of the toes

• Pain on the top part of your toes

• Callous buildup on the top of the toe

Conservative Treatment

Hammer toes can be treated conservatively in some instances. Conservative treatment of hammer toes may include padding of the toes, change of shoe gear, or orthotics that aim to help straighten the toe and prevent worsening of the deformity.

Surgical Correction

When hammer toes have progressed to the point where they’re causing serious discomfort, surgical intervention might be recommended. Surgically releasing the tendons is the only way to completely reverse this condition.