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Treatment. For toes that can still unbend, roomier footwear and shoe inserts, called orthotics, or pads might give relief. Inserts, pads or taping can move the toe and ease pressure and pain. Also, your health care provider might suggest exercises to stretch and strengthen toe muscles.
Hammertoes. Hammertoes happen when something puts pressure on your toes and pushes them out of place. Over time, muscles and tendons in your toes tighten, freezing your toes in a curled shape. A podiatrist will suggest at-home treatments to straighten your toes. Only severe cases require surgery.
Gently massaging the toe may help relieve pain. Put ice packs on the hammertoe to reduce painful swelling. There are several treatment options that vary according to how severe the hammertoe:...
Hammertoe and mallet toe usually occur in the second, third and fourth toes. Changing footwear, wearing shoe inserts, and using other devices might relieve the pain and pressure of hammertoe and mallet toe. Surgery can correct the condition and relieve the pressure if these treatments don't work.
If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a lack of feeling in your feet, talk to your doctor before attempting any self-treatment. Surgical Treatment. If the toe joint is rigid and no longer moveable, or if nonsurgical treatment does not relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery.
1. Changing Footwear. The first and often most effective hammer toe treatment is switching to shoes that have a wide toe box, providing plenty of space for the toes to move freely. Shoes should be wide, cushioned and comfortable, avoiding high heels or tight-fitting styles that put pressure on the toes.
A flexible hammertoe can be uncomfortable and may cause pain, but because the toe can still move, there are more treatment options available, often involving less invasive measures like physical therapy, custom orthotics, or splints.
Early treatment has the best chance of preventing the progression of hammer toe, but in people who need surgery, outcomes are also positive. Around 90% of people will not have a recurrence.
Wearing supportive orthotics in shoes. This helps relieve pressure on toe deformities and allows the toes and major joints of the foot to function more appropriately. Wearing shoes with more room in the toe box. There are some shoes on the market that provide much more room for hammertoes.
Prevention. Hammertoe can usually be prevented by wearing shoes that fit properly and give the toes plenty of room. Don't wear shoes with pointed or narrow toes. Don't wear shoes that are too tight or short. Don't wear high-heeled shoes, which can force the toes forward. Choose shoes with wide or boxy toes.