Hammertoe Specialist in Mount Pleasant, SC
A hammertoe can make wearing shoes uncomfortable and cause persistent pain with walking or standing. As the toe becomes increasingly bent, everyday activities may become more difficult, and untreated deformities can lead to corns, calluses, and joint stiffness.
Blake Ohlson, M.D. is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and regenerative medicine specialist providing comprehensive hammertoe evaluation and treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC.
He offers personalized care for flexible and rigid hammertoes, beginning with conservative treatment whenever appropriate and recommending advanced surgical correction when non-surgical options no longer provide relief. His goal is to reduce pain, improve toe alignment, and restore comfortable foot function.
What is a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe is a deformity of a lesser toe (second through fifth toes), where the toe is bent upward at the toe’s middle joint, resembling a hammer. The bent portion may rub against the shoe causing pain, irritation and develop corns.
What are the Causes of Hammertoe?
This condition is caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow near the toes, when the second toe is larger than the first, and as a complication of arthritis and certain neuromuscular conditions.
What are the Treatment Options for Hammertoe?
A hammertoe in the early stages is flexible and may be treated by conservative measures such as strapping, padding and wearing appropriate footwear.
In more severe cases and when conservative treatment does not help, surgical correction is indicated. Surgery may include a tendon transfer procedure where a tendon is rearranged from the lower side of the toe to the top, to pull the bent joint down and straighten the toe.
Stiff or fixed hammertoes may be corrected by joint resection or joint fusion (permanent straightening of the toe), which involves cutting tendons and ligaments of the joint and removing part of the bone to help straighten the joint. The straightened toe is held by pins for 3-4 weeks following surgery. Hammertoe correction is usually performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.
What can be Expected Post Operation?
There may be some swelling, redness, and stiffness following surgery. A special shoe may be ordered to help with walking.
What are the Risks and Complications of Hammertoe Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, hammertoe correction may be associated with some risks including infection, bleeding, nerve injury or poor alignment of the toe.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Hammertoe Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Successful hammertoe treatment requires identifying the severity of the deformity and selecting the most appropriate treatment for each patient. Dr. Blake Ohlson combines orthopedic expertise with individualized care to help patients achieve lasting pain relief and improved mobility.
Patients throughout Mount Pleasant and the surrounding Lowcountry choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Board-certified orthopedic expertise in foot and ankle conditions
- Comprehensive evaluation of flexible and rigid hammertoe deformities
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's symptoms and activity level
- Emphasis on conservative treatment before considering surgery
- Advanced surgical techniques for correction of painful or fixed hammertoes
- Comprehensive postoperative rehabilitation and recovery guidance
- Patient-centered care focused on restoring comfort, function, and quality of life
- Commitment to helping patients return to normal daily activities with less pain
Whether your hammertoe is causing occasional discomfort or significantly limiting your daily routine, Dr. Ohlson works with you to determine the most effective treatment approach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hammertoe
What is a hammertoe?
A hammertoe is a deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends abnormally at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like appearance. It most commonly affects the second, third, or fourth toe.
What causes a hammertoe?
Common causes include wearing tight or narrow shoes, muscle and tendon imbalance, an unusually long second toe, arthritis, previous toe injuries, and certain neuromuscular conditions.
What are the symptoms of a hammertoe?
Symptoms may include toe pain, difficulty wearing shoes, corns or calluses on the top of the toe, redness, swelling, irritation, and limited flexibility as the deformity progresses.
Can a hammertoe be treated without surgery?
Yes. Early-stage flexible hammertoes often respond well to conservative treatments such as wearing wider shoes, padding, splinting or strapping, orthotics, toe exercises, and activity modification.
When is hammertoe surgery recommended?
Surgery may be recommended when the toe becomes rigid, pain persists despite conservative treatment, or the deformity significantly interferes with walking, footwear, or daily activities.
What is recovery like after hammertoe surgery?
Most patients wear a specialized postoperative shoe for several weeks while the toe heals. Swelling and stiffness are common initially, and recovery time varies depending on the specific procedure performed.
Will my toe be completely straight after surgery?
The goal of surgery is to improve toe alignment, relieve pain, and restore function. Most patients experience significant improvement, although the final appearance depends on the severity of the original deformity.
Can hammertoes be prevented?
While not all cases are preventable, wearing properly fitting shoes with a wide toe box, avoiding prolonged use of high heels, and treating foot problems early may help reduce the risk of developing hammertoes.
Schedule a Hammertoe Consultation in Mount Pleasant, SC
If you are experiencing toe pain, difficulty wearing shoes, or worsening toe deformity, early evaluation can help prevent the condition from progressing. Dr. Blake Ohlson provides comprehensive diagnosis and personalized treatment for hammertoes in Mount Pleasant, SC, offering both conservative care and advanced surgical correction when appropriate.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn about your treatment options for lasting pain relief and improved foot function.