Hammer Toes

New York, NY

Hammer Toes Overview

Hammer Toes are a common foot deformity that causes toe joints to bend and stick in an upward, “hammer-like” position. The condition is progressive, meaning that without intervention and proper treatment, it is unlikely to get better on its own and can continue to get worse. Dr. Mona Ramani and Dr. Erin Koprince at AIRE Podiatry Studio in New York City can help! With the right treatment plan and lifestyle changes, our friendly and helpful team can get your feet back on track so you can resume living your life without pain.

What Are Hammer Toes?

Hammer toes are an unnatural bend in one or both joints of an affected toe, which can affect the rest of the toes and overall foot. This foot deformity usually happens because of an imbalance in muscle strength in the leg or foot. This imbalance pulls on the tendon that connects the muscle to the toe, causing the tendon to pull the joint upward. The abnormal bend can also put excess pressure on the toe and cause pain, corns, and calluses.

Some people are at greater risk of developing hammertoes if they inherit a specific foot type, such as flat, flexible feet. You could also develop hammertoe if you wear badly fitting shoes that cramp your toes, such as high heels, or if you have suffered a traumatic foot injury.

Hammertoe develops in stages:

Flexible hammertoes: An early-stage deformity where the tendon is flexible, so you can still move the joint.
Semi-rigid hammertoe: The tendon begins to stiffen with a semi-rigid hammertoe, becoming less flexible.
Rigid hammertoe: The toe joint is stuck in the upward position and can no longer lay flat.

A healthcare provider in maroon scrubs stands beside a patient lying on a gray exam table. The patient, wearing a surgical gown and cap, smiles up at Dr. Koprince and Dr. Ramani is seen smiling in he background. - Hammer Toes in New York, NY

How to Treat Hammer Toes?

Hammer toes are a progressive condition that is unlikely to improve without podiatry care. It is best to seek podiatry care as early as possible to prevent the need for surgery. If surgery is necessary, some patients may benefit from minimally-invasive surgery requiring smaller incisions, which reduces the patient’s recovery time and causes fewer complications.

The podiatrists at AIRE Podiatry Studio in New York City are highly skilled hammer toe specialists. We take a patient-centered approach to care, focusing on whole health, not just your feet. When you arrive for your consultation, we will review your symptoms, the shoes you wear, your typical day and time spent on your feet, and your medical history. You will also be X-rayed to determine how far your hammer toe condition has progressed.

AIRE Podiatry Studio will tailor your hammer toe treatment plan according to the type of hammer toe and its symptoms. When possible, we recommend nonsurgical treatment to relieve pain, such as changes in shoewear, the use of foot pads, custom orthotics to improve your foot mechanics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and/or physical therapy.

If you suffer from rigid hammertoe, AIRE Podiatry Studio may suggest minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. This can include toe shortening, removing the prominent bony joint, and realigning the toe to make it flat.

What is the Recovery Like After Treatment?

Depending on the severity of your hammer toe condition, it may take several weeks to several months to see visible changes in your feet. It is strongly recommended that you stay the course with non-surgical treatments, such as changes in shoewear or wearing foot pads or custom-fitted orthotics as prescribed, to correct and prevent the progression of hammer toes.

Minimally invasive surgery offers a shorter recovery time than traditional surgery. However, surgical intervention may require several months of follow-up and physical therapy to rebalance your gait and posture.

How Much Does a Hammer Toes Treatment Cost in New York City, NY?

The cost of a hammer toe treatment in New York City will factor in the extent of treatment needed and the state of progression of your hammer toe condition. AIRE Podiatry Studio can provide cost estimates for your specific treatment plan at the time of your consultation, or you may verify estimates with your health insurance provider.

Why Choose Aire Podiatry Studio?

AIRE Podiatry Studio is a state-of-the-art podiatry practice on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Our goal is to focus on your feet as the foundation for your body’s health. Led by podiatric foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Mona Ramani (DPM, AACFAS), our practice takes a preventive and integrative approach to care by providing a full-body wellness experience alongside cutting-edge technology.

Dr. Erin K. Koprince, DPM, DABPM, is our board-certified podiatric surgeon who is an expert in dance injury, rehabilitation, and skeletal evaluation for en pointe readiness. In addition to being a certified Tenex specialist, she is a diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) and a member of the Academy of Minimally Invasive Foot and Ankle Surgery (AMIFAS).

Don’t let hammer toes interfere with your quality of life! We’re here to help you regain confidence and strength so you can easily navigate the streets of New York City.

Align. Integrate. Restore. Evolve.

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