10/15/2026
A hammer toe may start as a small bend, but over time, that joint can become stiff and much harder to straighten.
The good news? When caught early, many hammer toes are still flexible and may respond to non-surgical treatment. Wider shoes, custom orthotics, and targeted toe exercises can all play a role depending on what is causing the problem.
So how do you know when it is time to see a podiatrist, and when might surgery become necessary?
Read more to learn what causes hammer toes, how they progress, and what treatment options are available at Ferro Foot & Ankle: https://www.ferrofootandankle.com/blog/what-is-a-hammer-toe-and-can-it-be-fixed-without-surgery