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At NY-based foot and ankle center, Extend Orthopedics, Stuart Katchis, M.D. has successfully treated many patients suffering from painful and embarrassing hammertoes without the need for surgery. Here are four conservative treatment options that have shown successful outcomes for early stage cases.
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.
If you develop hammertoe, there are steps you can take to treat the issue. At home, try wearing comfortable shoes and applying ice to the inflamed area. If at-home treatments do not correct the issue, see a doctor. In rare cases, hammertoe requires surgery.
If hammertoe is diagnosed while the muscles in the affected toe are still flexible enough to move—meaning a toe is bent at the middle joint but can still be straightened—doctors at NYU Langone recommend nonsurgical remedies to ease pain and swelling in the toe and joint.
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.
Initially, hammer toes are flexible and can be corrected with simple measures; however, if left untreated, they can become fixed and require surgery. A hammer toe deformity of the second toe. Pressure from the patient’s shoe has caused a corn to develop on the raised portion of the toe.
Early diagnosis can help manage hammertoe correction without surgery, especially in the early stages of the foot condition. Conservative, non-invasive management of the condition alleviates painful symptoms, supports your feet, and help return your toes – and feet – to their proper function.
Toe exercises can be an effective non-surgical treatment option for hammertoes. These exercises help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the feet, improving foot alignment and reducing pain. Toe spreads involve spreading the toes apart and holding them in place for a few seconds before releasing.
Can Hammer Toes Be Reversed Without Surgery? While severe cases of hammer toes may require surgical intervention, there are non-surgical approaches to manage and alleviate symptoms: Wearing Proper Footwear: Choose shoes with a wide toe box and low heels to reduce pressure on the toes.
Orthotics. Over-the-counter or custom-made orthotic inserts can provide support and relieve pressure on the affected toes. These inserts can help distribute weight more evenly, reducing pain and discomfort associated with hammertoe. If you have developed corns and calluses, a podiatrist can safely remove them in their office.