Hammertoe & Corn Treatment in Houston, TX
Hammertoes cause the smaller toes to bend downward at the middle joint, creating a claw-like shape that rubs against your shoes. What begins as a flexible bend can become rigid over time, leading to painful corns and calluses. Dr. Ken Dennis offers both conservative and surgical hammertoe treatment for Houston patients.
What Is a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe is a deformity of the second, third, or fourth toe caused by an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. Related deformities include mallet toes, which bend at the joint nearest the nail, and claw toes, which bend at multiple joints.
Causes of Hammertoes
- Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes that crowd the toes
- Inherited foot structure and muscle imbalance
- Bunions pushing the big toe into the smaller toes
- Arthritis
- Toe injuries
- Nerve damage from conditions like peripheral neuropathy
Symptoms of Hammertoes
- A toe that bends downward at the middle joint
- Corns on top of the toe and calluses on the ball of the foot
- Pain and irritation when wearing shoes
- Redness, swelling, or a burning sensation
- Difficulty straightening the toe
Corns and Hammertoes
Corns are small, thick, cone-shaped areas of hardened skin that form where a bent toe rubs against your shoe, usually on the top of the toe joint, at the tip of the toe, or between toes. Soft corns develop between the toes, where moisture keeps them rubbery and tender. Because corns are a response to pressure, the best long-term relief comes from treating both the corn and the toe deformity causing it. Never cut corns or use acid corn pads at home, especially if you have diabetes. Our nail and callus care safely reduces corns in the office.
Non-Surgical Hammertoe Treatment
Flexible hammertoes often respond well to conservative care:
- Shoes with a deep, roomy toe box
- Pads and cushions to protect corns
- Professional corn and callus care
- Toe splints and straps
- Custom foot orthotics to correct muscle imbalance
- Toe stretching and strengthening exercises
Hammertoe Surgery
When a hammertoe becomes rigid and painful, surgery can straighten the toe by releasing tight tendons or removing a small portion of bone. Many hammertoe procedures are performed on an outpatient basis.
Hammertoe & Corn Care in Houston
Treating hammertoes early gives you the most non-surgical options. Learn about other foot conditions we treat including toe pain, or view our podiatry services. Call Kenrick J. Dennis, DPM at (713) 465-8833 to schedule an evaluation.
Hammertoe & Corn FAQs
What causes hammertoes?
Hammertoes are caused by a muscle and tendon imbalance, often made worse by tight shoes, bunions, inherited foot structure, arthritis, or injury.
Can hammertoes be fixed without surgery?
Flexible hammertoes often improve with roomier shoes, padding, splints, exercises, and custom orthotics. Rigid hammertoes may require surgery.
Why do I get corns on my toes?
Corns form where a bent toe rubs against the inside of your shoe. Treating the hammertoe and padding the area helps prevent them.
Is hammertoe surgery done in the hospital?
Many hammertoe procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, and you go home the same day.
How long does hammertoe surgery recovery take?
Most patients wear a protective shoe for several weeks, with full recovery typically taking six to eight weeks.
Can I trim my own corns?
Cutting corns at home can cause infection. A podiatrist can safely reduce corns and calluses, especially for patients with diabetes.