Do you notice one of your smaller toes starting to bend or curl downward? This common condition, known as hammertoe, is a progressive foot deformity where the middle joint of a lesser toe bends unnaturally.
If left untreated, hammertoe can disrupt your normal walking pattern and cause painful pressure points.
At Collier Podiatry in Naples, Florida, Michael Petrocelli, DPM, FACFAS, CWSP, helps patients find relief from this painful condition. Dr. Petrocelli and our team offer both surgical and nonsurgical options for hammertoe correction to restore your mobility and comfort.
Yes, you can take active steps to prevent hammertoes, especially if you catch the early signs of joint stiffness. While some risk factors like genetics are out of your control, your daily habits play a huge role in keeping your toes straight and flexible.
A previous injury to the foot, such as a stubbed or broken toe, creates a muscular imbalance that significantly increases your likelihood of developing a hammertoe later in life. Protecting your feet from trauma and wearing supportive shoes are key preventive measures.
If you already notice your toe curling, seek professional evaluation right away. There’s a common myth that a hammertoe will eventually straighten and resolve on its own.
In reality, most hammertoes won't improve without active treatment. If you ignore the extra pressure, the tendons in your toe will continue to tighten until the joint becomes permanently frozen in a curled shape.
For patients with diabetes, managing this deformity is even more critical. And the American Heart Association reports that hammertoes place individuals at a moderate to high risk for developing dangerous foot ulcers, which carry a 40% mortality rate within five years of development.
At Collier Podiatry, we offer customized care plans to address your specific symptoms and lifestyle needs.
For early-stage, flexible hammertoes, we often recommend conservative treatments like custom orthotics, splints, or switching to shoes with a wide toe box that gives your toes plenty of room to wiggle.
When conservative methods aren't enough to relieve your discomfort, Dr. Petrocelli can perform advanced surgical procedures to straighten the toe and restore function. We guide you through every step of the treatment process to ensure a smooth recovery and long-term relief.
You don't have to live with the pain and limitations of curled toes. To discuss your options and protect your foot health, schedule an appointment with our team by calling 239-286-7236 today.
