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How the South Chicago Suburbs Clinic Helps with Painful Toe Deformities

Expert Toe Deformity Treatment

Toe deformities can cause significant pain, limit mobility, and affect the overall quality of life. At ASG Foot & Ankle Clinic in the South Chicago suburbs, we specialize in treating all types of toe deformities with both conservative and surgical approaches. Our board-certified podiatrists have nearly 30 years of experience helping patients regain pain-free function.

Whether you're dealing with bunions, hammertoes, claw toes, or mallet toes, we provide comprehensive care that addresses the root cause of your condition and prevents future problems.

Common Toe Deformities We Treat

Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

A bony bump at the base of the big toe where the joint protrudes outward. This is one of the most common toe deformities we see in our South Chicago suburbs practice.

Symptoms:

  • • Painful bump on the big toe joint
  • • Big toe leaning toward other toes
  • • Redness and swelling
  • • Difficulty finding comfortable shoes

Hammertoes

The toe bends downward at the middle joint, causing it to resemble a hammer. This can affect any toe but is most common in the second toe.

Symptoms:

  • • Toe curling downward
  • • Corns on top of the bent joint
  • • Pain when wearing shoes
  • • Difficulty straightening the toe

Claw Toes

Similar to hammertoes but more severe - the toe bends at both the middle and end joints, creating a claw-like appearance.

Symptoms:

  • • Toes bent at multiple joints
  • • Increased pressure on ball of foot
  • • Calluses under the ball of the foot
  • • Difficulty with balance

Mallet Toes

The toe bends downward at the end joint (closest to the toenail). This is less common than hammertoes but can be equally painful.

Symptoms:

  • • Tip of toe bends downward
  • • Painful corn on the tip
  • • Difficulty wearing closed shoes
  • • Toe may appear shorter

What Causes Toe Deformities?

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Footwear

Tight, narrow shoes that squeeze toes together or high heels that force toes into unnatural positions

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Genetics

Inherited foot structure and biomechanics that predispose some people to developing deformities

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Injury & Arthritis

Trauma to the toes or joints, or degenerative conditions like rheumatoid arthritis

Our Treatment Approach

Conservative Treatments

For early-stage deformities or patients who want to avoid surgery, we offer effective non-surgical options.

Padding & Strapping

  • • Toe separators and splints
  • • Padding to reduce friction
  • • Taping techniques for correction

Orthotics & Shoes

  • • Custom orthotics for support
  • • Wide-toe box shoes
  • • Accommodative footwear

Medications & Injections

To manage pain and inflammation associated with toe deformities.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

  • • Oral NSAIDs for pain relief
  • • Topical creams for local relief
  • • Ice therapy for acute flare-ups

Corticosteroid Injections

  • • Reduce inflammation and pain
  • • Temporary relief for severe symptoms
  • • Used sparingly to avoid tissue damage

Surgical Correction

When conservative treatments aren't sufficient, we offer advanced surgical procedures to correct deformities.

Bunion Surgery

Osteotomy procedures to realign the big toe joint and remove the bony prominence

Hammertoe Correction

Tendon releases and joint fusions to straighten deformed toes

Minimally Invasive

Small incision techniques with faster recovery and less scarring

Preventing Toe Deformities

Proper Footwear

  • Choose shoes with adequate toe room (1/2 inch space beyond longest toe)
  • Avoid high heels and pointed-toe shoes
  • Look for shoes with good arch support and cushioning

Foot Care Habits

  • Regular foot exercises to maintain toe strength and flexibility
  • Early treatment of foot pain or discomfort
  • Maintain healthy weight to reduce stress on feet

Get Relief from Painful Toe Deformities

Don't let toe deformities limit your mobility and cause ongoing pain. Our experienced podiatrists in the South Chicago suburbs can help you find relief and restore function to your feet.