Hammertoe Relief

Hammertoe is a condition named after the position of the toe, which is shaped like a claw or hammer. It begins painlessly, but can become quite painful. It is fairly easy to relieve the pain in the early stage, while more aggressive tactics may be required if the condition progresses.

Hammertoe Defined

• The name hammertoe describes the position of the second, and sometimes the third and fourth, toes. An affected toe protrudes up from the foot and then curls back down, resting on the tip of the toe. After remaining like this for an extended period of time, the tendons actually shrink and the toe stiffens into a claw-shaped position.
  The deformity most commonly occurs in the second toe, but has been known to affect the third and fourth toes when they are crowded and not allowed adequate space to lie flat. The risk of being affected by this condition is increased when bunions are present as they increase the crowding. The chances of getting hammertoe are also increased by lying down for long periods of time, diabetes, and nerve and muscle diseases.

Treatments

• During the initial stages of hammertoe, while the toe is still flexible, the pain can easily be relieved by inserting a toe pad that you can purchase at most local drug stores. You should also carefully select shoes that provide deep and wide toe areas. As the condition progresses, an orthopedic doctor should be consulted and will likely prescribe stretching exercises, splints (for non-diabetic patients), and specially made shoes.
  Severe cases of hammertoe may require surgery. Surgery in the early stages that simply releases the tendon may only require a single stitch and a bandage. After the toe has stiffened, surgery on the bone may be required. This can still usually be performed in the doctor's office. PIP (proximal interphalangeal ) arthroplasty releases the ligament at the joint and removes a small piece of toe bone. The toe is restored to a normal position and then pinned in place for about three weeks. According to Penn State Hershey Orthopaedics, 92 percent of patients studied were still pain free five years after the surgery.