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Fabienne Rottenberg, DPMUpper West Side PodiatryBook on Zocdoc

Hammertoes · Bent toes

Hammertoe treatment, from padding to correction.

A bent toe that rubs in shoes, forms corns or keeps you from walking comfortably can usually be helped. Dr. Rottenberg starts with padding, shoe changes and orthotics. If the toe has become rigid and painful, she can straighten it surgically.

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Board-certified foot surgeon · FACFAS · Mount Sinai faculty · English, French, Hebrew & Spanish

Podiatrist examining a patient’s foot
Conservative care firstSurgery when needed

Information from the practice of Fabienne Rottenberg, DPM, board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and Clinical Instructor in Orthopedics at Mount Sinai. Updated . This page is general information, not a diagnosis.

Book a visit if…

  • A toe is bent at the middle joint and rubs in shoes
  • Painful corns on the top or tip of a toe
  • The toe is becoming stiff
  • You also have a bunion pushing the toes over

Call the office first if…

  • You have diabetes and a sore on the toe
  • The toe is red, hot or draining
  • Sudden change in the toe after an injury
  • You had toe surgery elsewhere and have new pain

What it is

Flexible toes and rigid toes are treated differently.

A hammertoe bends at the middle joint, often because of muscle and tendon imbalance, foot shape, a bunion or tight shoes. Early on, the toe can still be straightened by hand. Over time it can stiffen in the bent position, which is when corns and pain get worse.

Treating a hammertoe while it is still flexible gives you more options without surgery.

Your options

Hammertoe treatment options

The right option depends on whether the toe is flexible or rigid, and on how much it hurts.

Shoes and padding

Deeper, wider toe boxes and pads that stop the toe rubbing.

Corn care

Safe removal of painful corns in the office.

Custom orthotics

Can ease the imbalance that pulls toes into a bent position.

Hammertoe correction surgery

Releases or realigns the joint to straighten a rigid, painful toe.

Dr. Fabienne Rottenberg

Who treats you

Dr. Fabienne Rottenberg, DPM, FACFAS

  • Board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery
  • Clinical Instructor in Orthopedics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
  • Treats the bunion too when it is part of the problem
  • Follows you through recovery herself

Telehealth available: some questions and follow-ups can be handled by video. Ask when you call.

Training, credentials and hospital affiliations

285 West End Ave at 73rd St · Mon–Thu, 9–5

Get relief from a painful hammertoe.

Find out whether padding and shoes are enough, or whether the toe should be straightened.

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Questions patients ask

Hammertoes: common questions.

Your own answer depends on an in-person exam. Call the office if your question is not here.

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Can hammertoes be fixed without surgery?

Pain from a flexible hammertoe can often be managed with shoes, padding and orthotics. These do not straighten a rigid toe. Only surgery changes the shape of a rigid toe.

What is hammertoe surgery like?

It is usually outpatient. The joint is released or realigned so the toe sits straight. You will walk in a protective shoe while it heals.

Should I treat my bunion and hammertoe together?

Often yes, when a bunion is pushing the smaller toes over. Dr. Rottenberg will tell you whether to correct them together.

Can I trim my corns at home?

It is safer not to cut corns yourself, especially with diabetes or poor circulation. They can be reduced safely in the office.

Related care

Other problems Dr. Rottenberg treats

Bunions & Bunion Surgery

Bunion treatment and minimally invasive bunion surgery from board-certified foot surgeon Dr.

Read more

Foot & Ankle Surgeon

Board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Dr.

Read more

Custom Orthotics & Gait Scan

Custom orthotics on Manhattan’s Upper West Side: gait scan, custom-molded inserts for heel pain, flat feet, bunions and running injuries, from Dr.

Read more

Related reading

Articles on hammertoes

Sources

Further reading from medical organizations

  • Hammertoe — American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (FootHealthFacts)
  • Claw Toe — American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo)

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you think you have an emergency, call 911.

Hammertoes · Upper West Side

Get relief from a painful hammertoe.

Call (212) 724-4457Contact the practice