Patient Newsletter
Hammer Toes: A bent toe won't straighten itself.
Hammer toe deformities get worse over time. Caught early, they can often be treated without surgery. Left untreated, the toe becomes rigid and surgery becomes the only option.
ยง The toolkit
Toe deformity care from flexible to fixed.
At Restore, we treat hammer toes, mallet toes, and claw toes based on how severe the deformity is. Dr. Reddy and Dr. Pokala start with conservative care to relieve pain and slow progression. Surgery is only recommended when the toe becomes rigid or is significantly affecting daily life.
Custom Orthotics & Padding
Orthotics shift pressure away from the affected joints. Toe pads and splints reduce friction and help guide the toe toward a better position
Footwear Modifications
Shoes with a wider, deeper toe box reduce crowding and take pressure off the toes, which helps slow the progression of the deformity.
Stretching & Strengthening
Targeted exercises loosen tight tendons and strengthen the small muscles of the foot to improve toe position in flexible cases.
Surgical Correction
For rigid toe deformities, minimally invasive surgery straightens the toe and removes the bony prominences causing pain and skin irritation.
ยง How it works
Three types of toe deformity, and how each is treated.
Hammer toe, mallet toe, and claw toe each affect different joints in the toe. They develop when the tendons that control toe movement fall out of balance, often due to ill-fitting shoes, muscle weakness, or an underlying nerve condition. Identifying which type you have is the first step toward the right treatment
Hammer Toe
The middle joint of the toe bends downward, creating an arch shape that rubs against the top of the shoe.
Mallet Toe
Children are prone to foot and ankle injuries during sports and activity. We evaluate and treat fractures, growth plate injuries, and ligament sprains in kids of all ages.
Claw Toe
Multiple joints are affected. The middle and end joints bend downward while the base joint lifts up, causing the entire toe to curl.
Flexible vs. rigid
A flexible deformity can be moved back into position by hand. A rigid deformity is fixed in place and usually requires surgery to correct.
NOTE: Toe deformities almost always start out flexible and can be treated without surgery. That window closes as the tendons and joints stiffen over time. Same-day appointments are available.
ยง The condition
What are hammer toe, mallet toe, and claw toe?
These three related conditions describe abnormal bending in the smaller toes. Hammer toe is the most common and affects the middle joint of the toe. Mallet toe affects the joint closest to the toenail, causing the tip to hook downward. Claw toe involves abnormal bending at multiple joints, causing the entire toe to curl. All three cause corns, calluses, and pain from friction against footwear, and all three worsen over time without treatment.
ยง Finding the source
How we evaluate toe deformities
Dr. Reddy and Dr. Pokala assess toe flexibility, which joints are involved, and any underlying factors contributing to the deformity before recommending a treatment plan.
01 Physical Examination
Determines whether the deformity is flexible or rigid and identifies which joints are affected in each toe.
02 Digital X-rays
Show bone alignment and joint structure to help guide treatment decisions, particularly when surgery is being considered.
03 Biomechanical Assessment
Identifies contributing factors such as flat feet, high arches, or walking pattern issues that may be driving the deformity.
ยง Your care team
Meet Our Physicians
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ยง Beyond fungal care
Everything else we do for feet.
Conservative care first, advanced technology when recommended. A full range of podiatry services for adults and children.
General Podiatry
Class IV Laser Therapy
Sports Medicine
Diabetic Foot Care
Wound Care
Corn & Callus Removal
Ankle & Foot Trauma
Ankle Arthroscopy
Wart Treatment
Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis
Pediatric Podiatry
Neuroma Care
Custom Orthotics
Deformity Correction
Book your visit
Act while your toe is still flexible.
Conservative care works best early. If your toe is bending and causing discomfort, now is the time to get it evaluated. Call our Plano office or book online. Same-day and walk-in appointments available.