Hammertoes in Flushing, NY
Dr. William H. Hansen, DPM, a board-certified podiatric surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, regularly treats patients with hammertoes at his Flushing, New York, practice. As an attending surgeon at both New York Hospital of Queens and Flushing Hospital, Dr. Hansen offers both conservative and surgical options depending on the severity of the condition and your lifestyle needs.
What Causes Hammertoes?
A hammertoe develops when the muscles and tendons that normally keep your toe straight become unbalanced, leading the middle joint to bend downward. It usually affects the second, third, or fourth toes. Common contributors include genetics, tight or ill-fitting shoes, trauma, arthritis, or pressure from bunions or other foot deformities.
In the early stages, the toe may still be flexible, which means it responds well to non-surgical treatment. But once the joint stiffens and becomes rigid, it may require surgical correction to relieve pain and restore alignment.
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Aside from the noticeable bending of the toe, people with hammertoes often report difficulty wearing shoes, pain while walking, or the development of corns or calluses on top of the bent toe. These symptoms tend to worsen if the muscle imbalance isn’t corrected.
If you're experiencing any of these issues, it’s worth contacting our Flushing, New York, office for a professional evaluation. Hammertoes don’t resolve on their own, but early intervention can keep them from progressing.
Treatments at Every Stage
Dr. Hansen emphasizes conservative care whenever possible. This can include custom orthotics, shoe modifications, toe splints, or specific stretches and exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around the affected joint. These approaches aim to reduce pain and slow the deformity in flexible cases.
For more advanced or rigid hammertoes, outpatient surgery is often the best option. Surgical procedures may involve straightening the toe by releasing or realigning tendons, removing a small portion of bone, or fusing the joint to stabilize its position. Dr. Hansen personalizes each surgical plan to the patient’s anatomy and activity level, with the goal of minimizing downtime and maximizing long-term results.
Get Expert Podiatric Care in Flushing, NY
Whether your hammertoe is newly forming or has become a daily source of discomfort, Dr. William H. Hansen offers the specialized foot and ankle expertise you need to find relief. With decades of surgical experience, as well as advanced non-invasive treatments, he helps patients return to pain-free movement and improved foot function.