Doctor Aakruti Bhalja, DPM is an experienced Hammertoe Surgeon known for her proven procedures, experience and caring attitude. Call us now to schedule an appointment for any medical issues relating to hammertoe.

A hammertoe is a flexible or rigid contrac­tion usually affecting the second, third, fourth or fifth toes. Most often a biome-chanical abnormality results in the larger muscles of the foot and leg overpowering the smaller intrinsic muscles of the foot. Muscle imbalance leads to a bending or “buckling” of the toe joints. These buckled or contracted positions create any number of problems within and on top of the toe deformity. One or more small joints become prominent on top of the malpositioned toe. Tendons, ligaments and joint capsules in that area have a greater chance of tightening and shortening. Shoe irritation of the deformed digit results.in corns, skin inflammation and inability to wear shoes comfortably. If left untreated, these conditions can progress to ulcers or infections.

A flexible hammertoe refers to a reducible hammertoe in contrast to the rigid hammer­toe where the deformity is fixed or not easily straightened. There are many causes of ham-mertoes. Some are congenital, hereditary or acquired. An inherited condition may mean an inherited muscle imbalance around the toe or a parent with an abnormally long toe. An acquired hammertoe refers to those caused by short stockings or short/pointed shoes, espe­cially where a long toe is present. Arthritic patients and those with diabetic neuropathy can be more susceptible to hammertoes.