Hammertoe Doctor in Miami, FL

Dr. Curson performs corrective surgery for hammertoes in his office under local anesthesia. It is a small procedure, so patients can walk home the same day after the operation. At Miami Feet, we offer both surgical and non-invasive treatments to realign hammertoes and provide relief. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Curson is the best specialist for these procedures. He uses the latest technologies and treatment methods to provide quality care that improves our patients’ comfort and mobility.

Table Of Contents

What Is a Hammertoe?

A hammertoe is a foot deformity in which a toe is bent downward at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. This happens when the tendons, muscles, and ligaments become unbalanced and disrupt foot structure. While the big toe usually remains unaffected, this condition typically develops in the fourth, third, or second toe. The deformity gets progressively worse as the muscles weaken. Common symptoms of hammertoes include foot pain, irritation, swelling, skin ulcers, and corns and calluses.

Causes of Hammertoes

Ill-Fitting Shoes

Wearing closed shoes that are too tight or short can cause hammertoes over time. Footwear that does not allow enough room for the toes to lie flat and spread out forces them into a curled position. This abnormal bend eventually weakens the tendons and leads to hammertoes. Properly fitted shoes with a wide and deep toe box can help prevent this condition.

High Heels

Wearing high heels also forces the toes into a bent, curved position. Over time, it leads to muscle/tendon imbalance and can cause hammertoes as the foot structure changes to accommodate the pressure. Those who wear high heels frequently are especially prone to developing this condition.

High Arch or Flat Feet

People with high arches or flat feet are more susceptible to hammertoes. Both conditions cause instability in the foot structure, disrupting muscle balance. The abnormal collapse and pressure lead to the curling of the toes over time, resulting in a deformity.

Injury

Fractures, sprains, nerve damage, or burns/frostbite can all contribute to hammertoes by changing the structure and function of the foot. As a result, tendons contract the toes into an abnormal, bent position over time. People with foot injuries are more prone to developing hammertoes.

Arthritis, Diabetes, and Neurological Disorders

Medical conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and neurological issues can cause nerve damage, muscle imbalance, and problems with foot structure. Such effects often lead to hammertoes as the delicate anatomy of the foot is disrupted. Controlling these diseases is crucial for preventing complications.

Treatment Options for Hammertoes

Wearing shoes with a wide and high toe box can help relieve pressure. Footwear should have adequate room for the toes to move without rubbing or squeezing. Padding over the toe area may also redistribute pressure. Properly fitted footwear is crucial for treating hammertoes.

Footwear Adjustments

Custom orthotic inserts can help realign the foot and redistribute weight properly. These devices support the arch and may take pressure off contracted toes to straighten them. Orthotics are useful for providing additional padding and arch support in shoes. They work well together with footwear adjustments.

Orthotics

Joint resection is a surgical procedure that effectively corrects hammertoes. By carefully removing a small portion of bone from the affected joint, Dr. Curson can restore the toe to its natural position. This procedure alleviates pain and discomfort, allowing individuals to enjoy greater comfort and mobility. During recovery, patients walk about 6 weeks in a surgical shoe until the bones heal.

Joint Resection

Arthrodesis fuses the contracted joint in the hammertoe so it cannot bend. The toe is held straight with pins while the bones grow together over about 6-12 weeks. This treatment permanently stabilizes the toe but may cause some stiffness. Physical therapy can help increase flexibility.

Arthrodesis

During this procedure, the tendon that forces the toe to contract is moved to the top of the toe. This releases the pull on the toe so it can straighten. Tendon transfer surgery provides lasting pain relief and an improved appearance in flexible hammertoes.

Tendon Transfer

The decision to undergo surgery is based on the patient’s symptoms, exam findings, and failure of conservative therapies. During the initial consultation, Dr. Curson determines if this operation is appropriate for the individual.

Hammertoes are a common foot deformity, affecting more than 7 million people in the United States. Non-invasive solutions, such as custom orthotics, are appropriate for everybody and are often used as the first line of treatment. Dr. Curson also performs surgical correction if these conservative options fail to provide relief. Many groups of candidates are eligible for hammertoe surgery:

Candidates for Hammertoe Surgery

Benefits of Hammertoe Treatment

Hammertoes can cause pain, irritation, and difficulty finding properly fitting shoes. Fortunately, our surgical procedures successfully treat this condition. Getting hammertoe surgery can provide many benefits:

Straightens the contracted toe into proper position, restoring normal alignment and mechanics of the foot

Relieves pain and irritation caused by a hammertoe rubbing against the inside of shoes

Allows patient to wear a wider variety of shoes comfortably again

Decreases risk of painful calluses and corns forming on the knuckles of the toe

Results are permanent once the toe has properly healed from surgery

Improves ability to participate in athletic activities that may have been hindered by a painful hammertoe

Boosts self-confidence and comfort in social situations without having to worry about toe deformity

Cost of Hammertoes in Miami

The cost of hammertoe treatment in Miami ranges from $500 to $7,000, depending on the severity of the condition and the type of procedure needed. Patients usually pay around $500-$1,000 for mild cases that can be addressed with non-invasive methods. More complex conditions that require surgery will cost between $3,000 and $7,000.

Dr. Curson provides accurate price quotes during the first meeting with the patient. He needs to evaluate their condition and select the best treatment. Patients should also check with their insurance providers to understand their out-of-pocket costs for hammertoe treatment. Some plans cover a portion of procedures.

Dr. Curson Is a Renowned Specialist in Hammertoe Treatment

With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Gary Curson at Miami Feet provides exceptional care for hammertoes and other foot conditions. As a second-generation podiatrist who completed a fellowship under his father, Dr. Curson stays at the forefront of lower extremity advancements and utilizes cutting-edge technologies for treatment. He serves as faculty at two medical institutions where he shares his expert knowledge and experience. Dr. Curson customizes treatment plans to deliver personalized care that improves people’s quality of life and helps them move more freely.

Our Happy Patients

Sprained Ankle

There are doctors who talk and those who help you walk again pain free. Doctor Curson is among the latter breed. I limped in with a sprained ankle approaching the size of a grapefruit and in pain. An hour later, I was walking normally having had X-rays, a shot, and a laser treatment. If you are in the Bal Harbour, Surfside or Bay Harbor area, don't bother with anyone else. The entire staff is efficient and dedicated. He followed up with me as well. Caroljean Kier

Caroljean K.

Planter Faciatis

Dr. Curson offers a full array of noninvasive treatments for Achilles strains and Planter Faciatis. After 3 months of care with another podiatrist I experienced pain without improvement. I went to Dr. Curson. The results have been excellent. The office staff is friendly, responsive, and competent.

Steve S.

Foot Pain

My experience with Dr. Curson and his staff was excellent. I've been dealing with foot pain for over 6 months and after implementing his treatments my pain has decreased significantly. He fitted me for custom made orthotics (shoe inserts) and after a week of wearing them the pain in my left foot is practically gone. As I wear them more I'm confident I will be able to take long walks again. Without hesitation I recommend Dr. Curson if you have foot issues or pain.

Henny R.

Laser treatment for ankle sprain

Amazing doctor and amazing staff, very friendly and they take the time to know your history and seek the best treatment possible for your specific case. I decided to give them my full confidence for a chronic ankle sprain that just wouldn't go away. The laser treatment was really helpful and they did a set of custom orthotics that are really much better than the off-the-shelf stuff and others I had made before.

Peggy P.

Laser treatment for nail fungus

Amazing experience with Dr. Curson and his office staff. I had 2 issues, pain in my foot from stepping on an object that seemed to be lodged in there somewhere, AND, terrible nail fungus from years and years of cycling and running. Dr. Curson dislodged the object in my foot and treated the nail fungus with a special laser. After the first treatment it was more that 50% better, i can't wait for the 2nd one, I can feel the difference in my nails. Fantastic office and staff and doctor... go see him!

Michael Eisenstadt

Foot pain

Henny Rojas