Cures for Hammer Toes

Hammertoe is a condition that causes a toe to bend in the middle of a joint. This ailment generally occurs when a person wears shoes that are too small; however, some people are born with this deformity, have diabetes or a foot injury that can result in hammertoe. By wearing shoes that continually rub on the raised portion of the foot, the toe may become permanently stiff due to muscle contraction.

Footwear

• Depending on the flexibility of our toe, your doctor may suggest that you find shoes that have more room or wear orthopedic soles. Get your feet measured at a shoe store after you have been walking around for a couple hours. Generally, people's feet begin to expand when they engage in exercise. Feet can change over time, and your size from a couple years ago may be different. Measure the length and the width of your foot. Because no two feet are the same, buy shoes that fit the larger foot. When trying on shoes, wear the socks or hose you plan to wear and walk around. Leave half an inch from the top of your toe to the shoe. Look for low-heel shoes with a deep toe box. Buy shoes that feel comfortable despite the latest in fashion. Make sure you try on a variety of sizes and shoes to find the one that fits.

  Orthopedic insoles can be customized and designed for your hammertoe. These cushioned soles are prescribed by a podiatrist and slip into a normal shoe. There are also over-the-counter insoles you can buy like PediFix Hammer Toe Cushion.

Stretches

• According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, a doctor may prescribe exercises or stretches for muscle strengthening such as picking things off the floor with your feet. Calf strengthening is one exercise that may help with hammertoe. Likewise, manually stretching the toe can result in a more flexible toe.

Surgery

• Outpatient treatment may not be enough. According to the Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Denver, Colorado, hammertoe will get progressively worse if not properly treated. One type of surgery consists of removing a small piece of bone from the joint. Likewise, your doctor may opt for fusing the joint together in order to strengthen it. Also, a surgical pin may be placed to hold the bone in place while it heals. The recovery rate depends on the severity of the condition. Expect to stay off your foot for at least a couple of days after surgery. Give the toe time to heal before engaging in sports that use the foot, such as soccer. Wear comfortable shoes even after the surgery to reduce the risk of aggravating the toe.