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Toe Deformities: Hammertoe, Claw Toe, and Mallet Toe Explained

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.

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More Podiatrist-Recommended Hammertoe Essentials

Extra-Depth Orthopedic Shoe

Orthofeet Sprint — tall toe box prevents hammertoe rubbing and friction.

Wide-Toe-Box Walking Shoe

New Balance 990v6 — accommodates curled toes without pressure.

Supportive Insole

PowerStep Pinnacle — reduces forefoot pressure that drives hammertoe.

As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.

Hammertoe Correction 3 - Balance Foot & Ankle

When to See a Podiatrist

Rigid hammertoes don’t reduce with splinting alone — the tendon and capsule have contracted. If the toe no longer straightens passively, surgical correction restores alignment in one short outpatient visit. Call Balance Foot & Ankle to see whether your deformity is still flexible (and responsive to the conservative tools above) or if it’s time for a 20-minute in-office correction.

Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402  ·  Book online  ·  Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills

In Our Clinic

Hammertoes come to our clinic in two flavors: flexible (the toe still passively straightens) and rigid (it doesn’t). For flexible hammertoes we use gel toe crests, roomier toe boxes, custom orthotics to address the underlying instability, and sometimes night splints. Rigid hammertoes with a corn on top of the PIP joint, or a callus under the metatarsal head, usually need a minor outpatient procedure (PIP arthroplasty or fusion) to straighten the toe. The patients who wait too long develop fixed deformities and skin breakdown — we would much rather address a flexible hammertoe early.

Watch: Dr. Tom explains

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Podiatrist-recommended products

As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Tom earns from qualifying purchases.

Toe Pads / Cushions

Pads protect hammer, claw, and mallet toes.

View on Amazon →
PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles

Arch support reduces deformity progression.

View on Amazon →
Aircast Walker Boot

Post-surgical offloading for toe corrections.

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Doctor Hoy’s Pain Relief Gel

Topical relief for toe joint pain.

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Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills · 4.9★ (1,123+ reviews)

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In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

When conservative care isn’t enough, Dr. Tom Biernacki and the team at Balance Foot & Ankle offer advanced, same-day options — including Hammertoe Treatment Michigan at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics.

Same-day appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.

Medical References
  1. Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
  2. Heel Pain (APMA)
  3. Hallux Valgus (Bunions): Evaluation and Management (PubMed)
  4. Bunions (Mayo Clinic)
This article has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM. References are provided for informational purposes.
Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.
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