A hammertoe is a deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends downward at the middle joint, creating a curled or hammer-like appearance. This condition often develops gradually due to muscle imbalance, tight footwear, or structural foot changes like bunions. Over time, the toe may become stiff and difficult to straighten. Patients may notice redness, swelling, or corns forming on the top of the bent joint from rubbing against shoes. The toe can feel sore or irritated, especially when walking or wearing narrow shoe styles. In early stages, the deformity may still be flexible, but without treatment it can become rigid and more painful. A podiatrist begins with a detailed examination to determine whether the hammertoe is flexible or fixed and to identify contributing factors. Treatment may include shoe modifications, padding, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises to improve balance and alignment. In more advanced cases, surgical correction may be considered. If you have a hammertoe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for proper evaluation and care.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM of South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in San Antonio, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions are a progressive deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe, where the bone shifts outward and the toe angles inward. They often appear as a noticeable bump that may look swollen or red and feel tender, especially in tight shoes. Pain can range from a dull ache to sharp discomfort with walking. Even after treatment, bunions may come back for several reasons. Genetics, continued use of narrow footwear, abnormal foot mechanics, arthritis, and incomplete correction of the deformity can contribute to recurrence. Over time, the joint may again become enlarged and irritated. A podiatrist begins with a thorough evaluation, including examination and imaging, to understand the structure of the foot and the severity of the deformity. Treatment may include custom orthotics, footwear modification, or targeted exercises to support alignment. Anti-inflammatory care or surgical revision may be recommended when necessary. If you have recurring bunion pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM of South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in San Antonio, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.