Hammertoe Cures

Hammertoe, also known as mallettoe is a condition that is caused by shoes that don't fit properly. If you wear shoes that are too short, it cause the toes to bend constantly to compensate for the lack of room. The end result is a toe that looks like a hammer or a mallet. It is fairly easy to take care of hammertoe if caught before the position of the toe becomes to stiff. Once this happens, surgery is the only alternative.

Longer Shoes

• The most common cause of hammertoe is wearing shoes that are too short. The American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends that your shoes be 1/2 inch longer than your longest toe. A wider footbed will also help give the toes room to stretch out.

Orthotics

• On top of new shoes, another way to combat hammertoe is to use orthotics in the shoes that change the angle and position of your toes. This will help take some of the pressure off your toes allow the muscles to relax and straighten. Your doctor may also recommend corn pads to help reposition the toes and alleviate pain and pressure from the toe constantly pressing down and rubbing.

Surgery

• Surgery is the final option when it comes to curing hammertoe. The doctor will decide which type of surgery is necessary based on the flexibility still present. If the toe shows flexibility, they may just make a small incision that releases the tendon, allowing the toe to straighten naturally. If the toe has become too stiff for a tendon release to help, additional steps will be taken including realignment of tendons and the removal of bone needed to straighten the toe. This also may require pins or screws to hold the toe in place while it heals.