How to Cure a Hammertoe

Hammertoes are caused by the bowing of the joint or joints of your toes, so that they point toward the floor. It can occur with any toe, except the big toe. In addition, corns may form on the end, top, side or between your toes. Calluses may form on the bottom of the toe as well. Corns and calluses make wearing shoes even more painful. There are only two ways to cure hammertoes, either by bracing the toes, or through surgery. Either way, you can make your feet more comfortable until the hammertoes are cured.

Things You'll Need

• Splints or straps from your podiatrist
• Custom orthotics from your podiatrist
• Foot pads or moleskin
• Comfortable, low-heeled shoes
• Anti-inflammatory medication

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Instructions

How to Cure a Hammer Toe

• 1

  Have your foot fitted with a splint or strap. Ask your podiatrist to apply splints or straps to encourage realignment of the toes. Or your podiatrist might make a custom orthotic by taking a mold of your foot. Padding is added to the orthotic for any area of your foot that needs extra support. The orthotic can be slipped into most of your shoes.

• 2

  If the fitted device does not correct the problem, prepare for surgery. If your condition has gone untreated for a long time, surgery will be required to cure your hammertoes.

• 3

  Pad any corns and calluses on your feet. Using the extra padding can help cure the corns and calluses that often accompany hammertoes. Use pre-made pads, or cut pieces of moleskin to the proper size. Have your podiatrist trim the corns and calluses for you, for additional relief.

• 4

  Wear comfortable shoes with low heels and a wide toe box. Pointy-toed shoes and high heels may be painful. Comfortable shoes will protect your foot until the problem is corrected.

• 5

  Take anti-inflammatory medications for pain and and to reduce inflammation while you are waiting for completion of the realignment.