![What Is A Hammer Toe? [Hammer Toe Symptoms? Hammer Toe Causes?] | Balance Foot & Ankle](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/uploads/2023/08/what-is-a-hammer-toe-hammer-toe-symptoms-hammer-toe-causes.avif)
Quick answer: What Is A Hammer Toe Hammer Toe Symptoms Hammer Toe Causes affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in our practice. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
The most important clinical decision with What Is A Hammer Toe Hammer Toe Symptoms Hammer Toe Causes isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Quick Answer
What is a hammer toe? [Hammer toe symptoms? hammer toe cause relates to toe deformity — typically caused by imbalanced muscles + footwear. Most patients improve in depends on severity with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township: (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
What is a hammer toe? [Hammer toe symptoms? hammer toe causes?]
What is a hammer toe? [Hammer toe symptoms? hammer toe causes?]
🦶We review: what is a hammer toe deformity? Hammer toe symptoms? Hammer toe causes? Hammer toe pictures before and after, what causes hammer toes? What does a hammer toe look like? Full video: https://youtu.be/pA4dicQIzLY 🦶
Ball of the foot (metatarsalgia):
Hammer Toes Treatment: https://youtu.be/pA4dicQIzLY
2nd Toe Capsulitis, Claw Toe & Hammer Toe: https://youtu.be/E2Pr3vocIB8
Ball of the Foot Pain (Metatarsalgia): https://youtu.be/tqOzHZ8rUqs
Fat Pad ball of the foot: https://youtu.be/UsM6qhHBlKg
2nd metatarsal head pain: https://youtu.be/D284KRgp1r0
Are orthotics worth it? https://youtu.be/9eY6kbccslQ
Big Toe Joint Pain Causes & Treatment:
Gout: https://youtu.be/APtHQYtditY
Hallux Rigidus (OsteoArthritis) https://youtu.be/x6rtE5wfhf0
Bunion Pain: https://youtu.be/Nfif1nEiNJk
Bunion Splints: https://youtu.be/mVNluTffe2c
Sesamoiditis: https://youtu.be/ItwfjjX2_Uc
More Bunion Videos:
How To Get Rid of Bunions No Surgery: https://youtu.be/Nfif1nEiNJk
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Bunion Surgery Pros & Cons: https://youtu.be/xanqYxYnWJE
Tailor’s Bunion Treatment: https://youtu.be/YDCAFnM8SIw
Related Videos:
Numbness, Burning, or Tingling Foot Pain: https://youtu.be/Pdp9HLH9Gsg
Fat Pad Loss: https://youtu.be/54O-B2XqJaY
Foot Exercises & Strengthening Guide: https://youtu.be/ZI0sANYDF6M
Best Arthritis Treatments: https://youtu.be/5M7ngir46yQ
Best anti inflammatory diet for arthritis and joint pain: https://youtu.be/gCjN1Rya6es
9 Best Joint Pain Supplements: https://youtu.be/8CVHgrf-FLQ
Plantar fasciitis treatment: https://youtu.be/2aXlnFVmIY8
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DISCLAIMER:
Dr. Tomasz Biernacki received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine in 2013; he completed his Surgical Reconstructive Foot Surgery & Podiatric Medicine Residency in 2017; he completed 2x traveling Fellowships in Diabetic Surgery, Skin Grafting & Nerve Surgery. This video should not be used to self-diagnose and is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Biernacki and you. It would be best to not change your health regimen or diet before consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam & diagnosis. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.
At Balance Foot & Ankle, every Michigan patient receives expert podiatric care delivered with genuine attention to their individual needs and goals. Our podiatrists take time to explain diagnoses clearly, discuss all treatment options honestly, and follow up to ensure treatments are working effectively. We serve patients from Livingston and Oakland counties and the broader Southeast Michigan region from our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River and our Bloomfield Township office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208. New patients are always welcome — call (810) 206-1402 to schedule today.
Related Treatment Guides
- Toe Deformity Treatment
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
Michigan patients can count on Balance Foot & Ankle for the full range of podiatric services delivered with clinical excellence and genuine patient care. Whether your concern is a common foot condition that has been bothering you for years or an acute injury that needs prompt attention, our team in Howell and Bloomfield Township is ready to help. We offer in-office diagnostics, evidence-based conservative treatment, and surgical correction when needed — all within a practice that values your time, respects your preferences, and communicates clearly throughout the care process. Call us at (810) 206-1402 to take the first step toward better foot health.
Medical References & Sources
- American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Get Directions →
Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Get Directions →
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
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 Township clinics.
Same-day appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.
More questions patients ask
What are the symptoms of hammer toe?
Symptoms include a visibly bent toe, pain and pressure at the top of the toe from shoe rubbing, corns or calluses at the knuckle, difficulty finding comfortable footwear, and in severe cases, open sores. Balance Foot & Ankle at 4330 E Grand River, Howell and 43494 Woodward Ave #208, Bloomfield Township provides complete hammer toe symptom management.
What causes hammer toes to develop?
Hammer toes develop from muscle imbalance between the toe flexors and extensors, caused by: ill-fitting shoes (too tight or high-heeled), flat feet or high arches, abnormal foot mechanics, neurological conditions, trauma, and genetics. Balance Foot & Ankle identifies the specific cause and addresses it alongside the deformity.
Are hammer toes painful?
Hammer toes range from painless deformities to severely painful conditions depending on rigidity, shoe fit, and corns/calluses at the pressure point. Flexible hammer toes are often pain-free initially but become painful as they stiffen. Balance Foot & Ankle treats all stages of hammer toe before they become severe. Call (810) 206-1402.
Can hammer toes get worse over time?
Yes — without treatment, hammer toes progress from flexible to rigid deformity, calluses worsen, and pain increases. Eventually, walking and shoe-fitting become very difficult. Early conservative treatment slows or stops progression. Contact Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 for hammer toe evaluation and management at our Michigan podiatry offices.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.