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Hammertoe Treatment & Relief in Brighton, MI

 

A hammertoe is an abnormal bending of one or more of the smaller toes at the middle joint, causing the toe to curl downward rather than lie flat. It most commonly affects the second, third, or fourth toe and can range from mildly uncomfortable to severely painful depending on how advanced the deformity has become. If you’re dealing with hammertoe pain in Brighton, MI, Dr. Castelein offers a full range of treatment options from conservative care to minimally invasive surgery.

Schedule Online
1-810-227-3864

In advanced cases, the toe may drift sideways, cross over an adjacent toe, or rest on top of it — making socks and shoes painful or impossible to wear comfortably. Sores and open wounds can develop from the constant pressure. At this stage, a structure called the plantar plate — which normally holds the toe in a straight position — often becomes torn, allowing the toe to float upward and lose ground contact. Dr. Castelein always evaluates for plantar plate involvement and addresses it as part of treatment.

Conservative Treatment

Depending on severity, Dr. Castelein may start with conservative options focused on reducing stress and correcting muscle imbalance:

Orthotics:

Foot orthotics can prevent your hammertoe from worsening as they aid in reducing the muscle imbalance causing the hammertoe. The orthotics keep your foot in its neutral position to ensure the best mechanical pull of the tendons.

Shoe Fit:

When shopping for shoes, look for options that:

  • Have plenty of space in the toe box
  • Have no or low heels
  • Are adjustable
  • Have mesh tops to place less pressure on the hammertoe

Stretching exercises performed three times daily can also help keep calf muscles at an appropriate length. This reduces forefoot pressure and minimizes the tendency for the toes to contract, which can slow the progression of the deformity.

Advanced Treatment

When conservative care isn’t enough, Dr. Castelein offers several in-office and surgical options depending on the severity of the deformity:

In-Office Tenotomy

For mild deformities, a tenotomy is a low-risk, minimally invasive in-office procedure where Dr. Castelein numbs the toe and releases the contracted tendon to better straighten it. Patients walk out in their normal shoes, return to normal activity immediately, and are fully recovered once the stitch is removed.

Medical School and Training

Arthroplasty: This surgical procedure is very commonly performed for correction of hammertoe deformities. Dr. Castelein increases the joint space of the affected toe. This allows for the toe to sit in a better position without rubbing or pain on the top of the toe.

Arthrodesis: Hammertoe arthrodesis is typically recommended when osteoarthritis is present or other methods have failed. Dr. Castelein removes damaged bone and fuses the small joint within the toe into a fixed, stable position — permanently preventing the hammertoe from returning. Newer implants have largely eliminated the need for surgical wire, allowing for a faster recovery.

Plantar Plate Repair: When a floating or cross-over hammertoe involves a plantar plate tear, Dr. Castelein first corrects the toe position with an arthroplasty or arthrodesis, then accesses the plantar plate through a small bone cut called a Weil osteotomy. He repairs any tears and reattaches the plate to the bone using sutures and bone anchors — the same technique used in ankle, knee, and shoulder repairs.

Dealing With a Painful Hammertoe?

Hammertoes don’t get better on their own — they tend to get worse over time without treatment. The sooner you get evaluated the more options you have. Book online or call us today for an appointment in Brighton, MI.

Schedule Online
1-810-227-3864

What Our Clients Think

Client Testimonials

Julie
I'm so happy to have found Brighton Foot And Ankle in Brighton. The office staff and assistant are very pleasant. Dr. Bryant Castelein is a great knowledgeable Dr. Who has eased my worry over my medical condition. Plus he's handsome. I would highly recommend this practice for anyone needing podiatry help.
Amy
What great people to help you! From receptionist to doctor, they are top notch! You would not regret going here for any of your foot/ankle problems, they will fix you up with the utmost care and compassion.
Yo K
Dr. Castelein and staff were friendly, knowledgeable , efficient and took the time to get to know me and understand my medical needs. I would not hesitate to go to Brighton Foot & Ankle. They go out of their way to treat their patients like family.
Robert
Dr. Castelein is great; he is very nice, patient, and professional. His staff is also excellent and friendly. It's only been about three hours since having my big toenail removed and, with acetaminophen and ibuprofen, there is very little pain(sometimes I completely forget about it); he did an excellent job. Overall, I am very impressed with Dr. Casteleins Practice and I would highly recommend his office.
Joseph
Doctor & staff were so professional, friendly & efficient. I had a high risk condition that they expertly guided me through 5 months of healing. Thankfully a full recovery. I give them my best recommendation.
Lexi
Very friendly and accommodating front desk staff. Dr. Castelein and Jennifer always take their time and do an amazing job! Great variety of quick pick up over the counter products that are always affordable too. Best experience I have had at an office.
Christena
Dr. Castelein is very friendly and extremely knowledgeable in his field. During my visit he did a great job explaining my situation and was very encouraging of any questions. I never felt rushed and I believe to have received the best care possible. Highly recommend this doctor and this facility.
Nicole C
Excellent staff and exceptional doctor. I went in with Bunion issues. Dr. Castelein listened to my concerns and addressed my options. 4 days post-op bunion surgery I can say he did an amazing job. Best experience I have ever had. I would definitely recommend; I promise you won't look further.
Ashley
The staff and Dr. Castelein are all amazing. They are polite and very respectful. I came to see them in 2019 for bunion and hammer toe issues among some others. Dr. Castelein and his assistant listened to my concerns and gave me my options. He explained everything to me in detail and all my questions were answered.. I have seen other podiatrists and he is beyond the best. I would recommend him to anyone.
Alex
Friendly staff and intelligent doctor! I went in for some ankle X-rays and was given a great strategy on the different ways to heal my ankle, and how to progress forward if less invasive treatment doesn't help. I would highly recommend them to anyone with foot or ankle problems!