Mild hammer toe and cases in children can be treated with foot manipulation and splinting the affected toe. Properly sized footwear or wide toe-box shoes usually provide comfort and can accomodate hammer toes. The protruding joint can be protected with corn pads or felt pads, corrective footwear, or other foot devices. Exercises may be helpful.

Severe hammer toe requires an operation to straighten the joint. The surgery may involve cutting or transfering tendons or fusing the joints of the toe together.

If the condition is treated early, surgery can often be avoided. Treatment will reduce the associated pain and difficulty with walking.

• foot deformity
• posture changes resulting from difficulty in walking

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if hammer toe is present, for instructions on the best treatment.

Also call for an appointment if pain gets worse or difficulty walking occurs.