Skip links

Contact Us

Ironworks

Hammertoe Treatment

Hammertoe treatment in Rolesville, NC. Padding, orthotics, and minimally invasive surgery at Ironworks. Serving Wake Forest and Youngsville.

Get A Same-Day Appointment

Do You Have Any of These Symptoms?

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. Call us or request an appointment online, and we’ll take a look.

A toe that's permanently bent in a claw-like or bent position

Pain or a corn on the top of the affected toe from shoe rubbing

Difficulty wearing regular shoes because of toe shape

A callus on the ball of the foot behind the affected toe

Stiffness or reduced motion in the affected toe

Schedule An Appointment

You’re Not Alone, and You Have Options

Flexible hammertoes often respond to conservative care (better shoes, padding, orthotics).

A hammertoe is a toe that’s permanently bent at the middle joint, often caused by muscle imbalance, arthritis, or years of wearing shoes that squeeze the toes. Early hammertoes are flexible and respond to non-surgical treatment. Rigid hammertoes that rub painfully inside shoes usually need surgical correction.

How we treat it

Wider, taller toe-box shoes

Toe splints and pads

Custom orthotics to address underlying mechanics

Surgical correction, minimally invasive or traditional, depending on severity

Schedule An Appointment

What to Expect at Your First Visit

A hammertoe consultation assesses severity, flexibility, and what’s causing the deformity, then presents your options honestly.

Plan on 45 minutes. Bring the shoes that cause the most discomfort.

History of how long the hammertoe has been present and related symptoms

Physical exam including flexibility testing of the affected toe(s)

Digital X-ray if surgery is being considered

Discussion of conservative options: footwear, splints, orthotics, padding

If surgery is appropriate: explanation of minimally invasive versus traditional techniques

Clear recovery expectations and no pressure to decide that day

Schedule An Appointment

Why Choose Ironworks

Ironworks is Rolesville’s dedicated podiatry and advanced wound care practice, serving Wake Forest, Youngsville, and the surrounding communities with the specialized, personal care you shouldn’t have to travel to Raleigh or Durham to find.

Board-certified wound physician and podiatric surgeon with advanced training in foot and ankle medicine and surgery

In-office digital X-ray diagnosis and treatment in a single visit

Two specialties under one roof: foot and ankle care plus advanced wound healing

Same-day appointments for new patients with urgent issues

A local practice with small-practice attention: you'll see the same doctor each visit

Schedule An Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Once a hammertoe becomes rigid (can’t be straightened by hand), it won’t correct itself, the joint has permanently adapted to that position. Flexible hammertoes can sometimes be prevented from progressing with conservative care, but true correction of rigid hammertoes requires surgery.

A combination of genetics, muscle imbalance in the toe, arthritis, and, yes, footwear. Shoes that are too short or too narrow over decades contribute significantly.

Most patients return to a regular shoe within 4–6 weeks. Full recovery, including complete resolution of swelling, takes 3–4 months.

Sometimes. Temporary stabilization pins are used in some hammertoe procedures to hold the corrected position while healing occurs.

Recurrence is uncommon when the underlying cause is addressed during surgery and appropriate footwear is worn afterward. Returning to tight, pointed shoes can contribute to recurrence or new deformity in other toes.

Ready to get started?

New patients are welcome, and most major insurance is accepted. Call us, request an appointment online, or stop by our Rolesville office. We’ll take care of the rest.

Schedule An Appointment