Edward A. Behmer, DPM

Randall Tibbs, DPM

Doctors for Hammertoes in Huntsville, Alabama

What Are Hammertoes

Hammertoes occur when problems with your toe's muscles and ligaments cause the middle joint of your toe to bend upward. Often, your toe may become fixed in an arched shape. Flexible hammertoes can still be moved manually at the middle joint, but rigid hammertoes contain tendons stuck in place and cannot be moved without significant pain when pressing on them.

How Do Hammertoes Form

There are several ways your feet can develop hammertoes. Genetics, footwear, arthritis, injury, and aging may all play a part. Your middle toes are most likely to be affected, and women often experience this misalignment by wearing restrictive, formfitting shoes. The top joint of the hammertoe may become irritated by rubbing against socks and shoe gear, and pain may build over time.

Medical Diagnoses

Schedule an appointment with the doctors at Huntsville Podiatry Center, PC, to determine whether you are suffering from hammertoe. We will perform a thorough exam, which may include X-rays, to determine the extent of damage and the best care options for you. If you are dealing with discomfort while walking that makes daily tasks more difficult, let us help you regain a pain-free life.

Effective Treatments Tailored to You

There are many reliable treatment options for hammertoes. Depending on your circumstances, we may recommend proper footwear, drugs to reduce inflammation and pain, local cortisone injections, custom-made inserts, pads for your shoes, etc.


If your hammertoes are severe or cause significant pain, we may suggest surgery. All of our advice is personal to you, so you can get the information you need to make the best choices for your health and well-being. Let us help you remove a source of discomfort today.

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