How to Hike With Hammer Toes

Hammer toe is a toe that is curled at the middle joint, resulting in a clawlike appearance that gives the condition its name. Hammer toe usually affects the second, third or fourth toes and can be reversed with a few therapeutic measures if caught early. If not addressed in time, hammer toe may require surgery to repair. If your hammer toe is in the earlier stages (called flexible hammer toe), you should be able to hike despite the condition, provided you take a few precautions.

Things You'll Need

• Properly fitted and shaped shoes
• Orthotics, optional
• Tape, optional
• Toe cushions, optional

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Instructions

• 1

  Evaluate the condition of your hammer toe. If the toe is still flexible and the toe moves at the joint, you probably can address the situation with the help of a professional. If the toe is rigid and the joints are unmovable, the hammer toe is more serious and is likely to require surgery. You should not plan to hike or engage in any serious physical activity with a rigid hammer toe without a physician's approval.

• 2

  Consider consulting a professional. You can visit your general health care provider or meet with a podiatrist, a physician who specializes in treating disorders of the feet. A health professional can advise you about the best course of action for treating your hammer toe, and can help you to safely engage in physical activity such as hiking.

• 3

  Shop for hiking boots and everyday shoes that properly fit your feet. The New England Musculoskeletal Institute recommends that you select shoes with a soft and roomy, preferably deep toe, box. Your shoes should allow for an extra one-half inch of space beyond your longest toe (Keep in mind that some people's second toe is longer than the big toe). None of your toes should be rubbing against any part of your shoe. Wear socks of the appropriate thickness when shoe shopping.

• 4

  Avoid wearing shoes that are tight, narrow or have high heels. Those kinds of shoe can exacerbate your hammer toe and make it more difficult to engage in physical activity.

• 5

  Consider wearing special devices to help treat your hammer toe. Your physician may recommend toe cushions or spreaders to help resolve the condition, or she may suggest fashioning a splint out of medical-grade tape to help straighten your toe. Some devices, such as splints, are to be worn while engaging in activity; in this case, put on the device before hiking.

• 6

  Prepare yourself adequately for your hike. Until you know that your hammer toe will not get in the way of your physical activity, do not plan long or difficult hikes.