Hammer toe is when a toe bends downward at the middle joint and stays there. Most flexible hammer toes respond to splints, exercises, and shoe changes — surgery is reserved for rigid cases.
You’ve come to the right podiatry team. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what hammer toe treatment means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-day appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Township.
Quick answer: Treatment for what is hammer toe how to fix hammer toes hammer toe treatment follows a stepwise approach: 1) conservative care first (rest, ice, supportive footwear, OTC anti-inflammatories), 2) physical therapy and targeted exercises, 3) in-office treatments (injections, custom orthotics) if conservative fails at 4-6 weeks, 4) surgery for refractory cases. Most patients resolve at step 1 or 2. 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 Hammer Toe How To Fix Hammer Toes Hammer Toe Treatment isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Quick Answer
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: May 2026
What is Hammer Toe? [How to Fix Hammer Toes & Hammer To 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 Hammer Toe? [How to Fix Hammer Toes & Hammer Toe Treatment]
What is Hammer Toe? [How to Fix Hammer Toes & Hammer Toe Treatment]
🦶 We review: what is a hammer toe deformity? Claw toe? Mallet toe? Types of crooked toes and how to fix them. 🦶
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
Big Toe Joint Pain Causes & Treatment:
Gout: https://youtu.be/APtHQYtditY
Hallux Rigidus (OsteoArthritis): https://youtu.be/x6rtE5wfhf0
Bunion Pain: https://youtu.be/Nfif1nEiNJk
More Bunion Videos:
How To Get Rid of Bunions Without Surgery: https://youtu.be/Nfif1nEiNJk
Top 13 Ways to Shrink Bunions Naturally: https://youtu.be/8yKY4Rf-OGk
Bunion Surgery Pros & Cons: https://youtu.be/xanqYxYnWJE
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Best Shoes: https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/podiatrist-recommended-shoes/
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🦶 Come see us in Howell/Livingston County and Bloomfield Township, Michigan 🦶
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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 and 2 Fellowships in Diabetic Surgery, Skin Grafting & Nerve Surgery. He is double board certified in Podiatric Medicine and in Foot & Ankle Surgery. This video is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
⚠️ When to See a Podiatrist for Hammer Toes
Don’t wait for hammer toes to become rigid and painful. See a podiatrist if you notice:
- Toes that are visibly curling or crossing over adjacent toes
- Corns or calluses developing on the tops of bent toes from shoe friction
- Pain in the ball of the foot when walking
- Toes that you cannot straighten even when not wearing shoes
- Shoes that are increasingly difficult to fit comfortably
- You have diabetes — hammer toes can lead to serious wounds if untreated
Podiatrist-Recommended Products for Hammer Toes
These products can relieve hammer toe pain and slow progression:
Hammer Toes Getting Worse? Act Before They Become Rigid.
Flexible hammer toes respond well to conservative treatment — orthotics, padding, and exercises. Rigid hammer toes often require surgery. Our board-certified podiatrists can evaluate your specific toe deformity and develop a plan to prevent progression.
Or call us at (810) 206-1402
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Written by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Physician & Foot Surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle, serving Howell, Bloomfield Township, and southeastern Michigan.
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
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.
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Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does treatment take to work?
Most patients see improvement in 4-8 weeks with consistent conservative care. Persistent symptoms after 8 weeks need imaging and escalation.
When is surgery needed?
Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of conservative care, structural deformities, or fractures requiring stabilization.
Is this covered by insurance?
Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Custom orthotics often require diabetic or post-surgical justification.
What is Hammertoe?
Hammertoe is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.
Symptoms and warning signs
Common signs of hammertoe include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.
Conservative treatment options
Most cases of hammertoe respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.
Recovery timeline and prevention
Recovery from hammertoe varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.
Ready to feel better?
Same-week appointments available in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan.
In This Article
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your hammertoes, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
Natural topical pain relief I use in our clinic. Arnica + camphor formula — apply directly to the area 3–4x daily. ($20–25)
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my bunion get worse over time?
In most cases, yes — gradually. Bunions are progressive deformities; without intervention, the metatarsal bone continues to drift outward over years. The rate of progression varies enormously: some bunions are stable for decades; others worsen significantly within 5 years. Wearing narrow, pointed-toe footwear accelerates progression. If your bunion is causing pain or limiting footwear choices and is still mild-to-moderate, earlier surgical correction has better outcomes than waiting for severe deformity.
Can I fix a bunion without surgery?
Conservative treatment manages symptoms but cannot structurally correct the deformity. Wide toe-box shoes, bunion pads, toe separators, and orthotics reduce pain and slow progression. They cannot realign the metatarsal bone because the deviation involves structural changes to the joint capsule and ligaments. If the goal is permanent cosmetic and functional correction, surgery is the only option. If the goal is pain management and living comfortably with the bunion, conservative care can be effective for years.
Can splints or bunion braces straighten a bunion?
No — this is one of the most common misconceptions. Bunion splints maintain toe alignment while being worn and may slow progression, but cannot reverse the bony deviation. The first metatarsal has physically rotated and shifted laterally — no external splint can move bone. Studies show splints worn nightly improve comfort and reduce inflammation but do not change bunion angle on X-ray. They’re a useful adjunct for pain management, not correction.
What causes bunions? Are they genetic?
Bunions have a strong genetic component — about 70% of patients with bunions have a first-degree relative with bunions. The underlying cause is a biomechanical instability of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, likely inherited. Footwear doesn’t cause bunions but accelerates them — tight, narrow shoes in a genetically predisposed person progress much faster than in someone who wears supportive shoes. Women develop bunions more often than men largely due to footwear choices over decades.
What shoes should I wear with a bunion?
Wide toe box is non-negotiable — the box must accommodate the bunion without compressing it. Avoid anything with a tapered or pointed toe, stiletto heels, or thin canvas uppers that press against the bump. Best options: Hoka Bondi, New Balance 574, Brooks Ghost (wide), Altra (all models have anatomical toe box). For dress occasions, Vionic and Orthofeet make supportive wide-toe options. The general rule: your toes should never feel compressed.
How long is recovery from bunion surgery?
Recovery depends on the procedure. Simple bunionectomy (soft tissue only): 4–6 weeks. Osteotomy (bone cut and realignment, the most common modern approach): 6–12 weeks non-weight-bearing in a boot, full recovery 4–6 months. Lapidus procedure (fusion at the base of the first metatarsal): 6–8 weeks non-weight-bearing, 6–9 months full recovery. The Lapidus has the lowest recurrence rate and is preferred for severe bunions or hypermobile first rays. We discuss the specific procedure during your surgical consultation.
Will I be able to walk after bunion surgery?
Yes — most patients walk in a surgical boot immediately or within 1–2 weeks. Full return to regular shoes takes 6–12 weeks depending on the procedure. Return to athletic activity typically takes 4–6 months. The question we hear most often is whether the foot will be comfortable and functional long-term — the answer is yes for the vast majority. Over 90% of patients are satisfied with bunion surgery outcomes at 5-year follow-up.
Can bunions come back after surgery?
Yes — recurrence is possible, especially without lifestyle changes. With modern osteotomy procedures, recurrence runs 5–10% at 10 years. The Lapidus procedure has the lowest recurrence rate (2–5%) because it addresses the hypermobility at the metatarsal base. The single biggest recurrence factor is returning to narrow, pointed-toe shoes within 6 months of surgery. We follow patients for 2 years post-surgery specifically to catch early recurrence signs.
Does insurance cover bunion surgery?
Most PPO and Medicare plans cover bunion surgery when it’s functionally necessary — meaning pain limits daily activity, conservative care has been attempted, and X-rays show a meaningful deformity. Purely cosmetic bunionectomy is not covered. We document conservative treatment failure and functional limitation prior to surgery to build the strongest possible insurance case. Call our office at (810) 206-1402 and we’ll verify your coverage before your consultation.
Can children get bunions?
Yes — juvenile bunions account for about 10% of all bunions and are typically bilateral and genetic. They’re most common in girls aged 10–15. Treatment in growing children is conservative whenever possible — wide-toe-box shoes and monitoring. Surgical correction is generally delayed until skeletal maturity (16–18) because operating on open growth plates increases recurrence risk. If your child has a painful or rapidly progressing bunion, evaluation is warranted to track progression.
When is bunion surgery actually necessary?
Surgery is appropriate when: pain is consistent and limits daily activities despite 3–6 months of conservative care, footwear options are severely restricted, there’s a secondary deformity (hammer toe, crossover toe) being driven by the bunion, or joint arthritis is developing. Mild, painless bunions don’t require surgery even if they look significant on X-ray. The decision is always functional, not cosmetic — we operate on pain, not appearance.
Related Conditions
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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.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)
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 is a hammer toe and what causes it?
A hammer toe is a deformity where the toe bends abnormally at the middle joint, creating an upward arc. It is caused by muscle imbalance, often from poorly fitting shoes, high arches, or neurological conditions. Over time, the deformity becomes rigid. Balance Foot & Ankle diagnoses and treats hammer toes at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices. Call (810) 206-1402.
How are hammer toes fixed without surgery?
Flexible hammer toes can often be managed with toe splints, metatarsal pads, shoe stretching, custom orthotics to correct underlying imbalance, and physical therapy exercises to maintain flexibility. These measures relieve pain and slow progression. Balance Foot & Ankle at 4330 E Grand River, Howell and 43494 Woodward Ave #208, Bloomfield Township provides conservative hammer toe treatment.
When is surgery needed for hammer toes?
Surgery is needed when hammer toes become rigid (fixed deformity), cause severe pain, develop open sores, or prevent wearing shoes. Procedures range from simple tendon releases to joint resection or fusion. Balance Foot & Ankle's podiatric surgeons perform minimally invasive hammer toe corrections with excellent outcomes.
Can hammer toes come back after surgery?
Recurrence is possible, especially if underlying biomechanical causes (like flat feet or muscle imbalance) are not addressed. Balance Foot & Ankle addresses the root cause with custom orthotics alongside surgical correction to minimize recurrence risk and achieve lasting results.
What types of shoes should I wear with hammer toes?
Shoes with a deep, wide toe box that does not press on the bent joint are essential. Avoid pointed toe shoes, high heels, and shoes with a shallow toe box. Extra-depth shoes accommodate toe deformities comfortably. Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 provides specific footwear recommendations for patients with hammer toes in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan.
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.