Hammertoe Treatment in Austin & Leander | Andrew Ebert, M.D.
Hammertoe is a common foot deformity that can cause pain, irritation, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. Andrew Ebert, M.D., an experienced orthopedic surgeon serving Austin & Leander, offers advanced diagnosis and treatment for hammertoe, helping patients regain comfort and mobility.
Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, Dr. Ebert provides personalized care tailored to your condition. From conservative treatments such as padding and footwear modification to advanced surgical correction, his goal is to relieve pain, restore proper toe alignment, and improve overall foot function. Patients in Austin and Leander trust Dr. Ebert for effective, patient-centered foot and ankle care.
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.
Andrew Ebert, M.D.
Board-Certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot & ankle care for active patients, athletes, & adults across Austin & Leander.
Andrew Ebert, M.D., is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Austin Foot & Ankle Institute, providing comprehensive orthopedic care to teens and adults in Austin and Leander Texas, and throughout Travis County.
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. Andrew Ebert for Hammertoe Treatment in Austin & Leander?
Patients across Austin and Leander choose Dr. Andrew Ebert for hammertoe treatment because of his:
- Expertise in foot and ankle orthopedic conditions
- Patient-specific treatment plans based on severity and lifestyle
- Focus on both non-surgical and minimally invasive surgical options
- Commitment to restoring comfort, alignment, and long-term function
- Emphasis on patient education and post-treatment recovery
Hammertoe FAQs
What is the main cause of hammertoe?
Hammertoe is commonly caused by tight or ill-fitting footwear, muscle imbalance, or structural abnormalities of the foot.
Can hammertoe be treated without surgery?
Yes, early-stage hammertoe can often be managed with conservative treatments such as padding, splinting, and proper footwear.
When is surgery needed for hammertoe?
Surgery is recommended when the toe becomes rigid or when conservative treatments fail to relieve pain.
How long does it take to recover from hammertoe surgery?
Recovery typically takes several weeks, with patients often wearing a special shoe and gradually returning to normal activities.
Is hammertoe surgery painful?
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, and post-operative discomfort is manageable with medication and proper care.
Schedule Your Hammertoe Consultation in Austin & Leander
If you are experiencing toe pain, irritation, or difficulty wearing shoes due to hammertoe, early treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening. Andrew Ebert, M.D. provides expert evaluation and treatment for patients in Austin and Leander.
Take the first step toward pain-free movement and improved foot health.
Call today or request an appointment Online to schedule your consultation and explore your treatment options.
Get back to walking comfortably with expert care in Austin and Leander.
Dr. Ebert is dedicated to helping patients walk comfortably and return to their daily activities without pain.
