How do you straighten a flexible Hammer toe without surgery?

Straightening a flexible hammer toe can often be achieved without surgery through conservative measures. Here are some methods to consider:

Shoes and Orthotics:

- Wear shoes with a wide toe box and avoid shoes that put pressure on the toes.

- Use over-the-counter or custom orthotics to help correct the alignment of your toes and provide support.

Toe Exercises:

- Perform toe exercises to improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles in the toes. Some examples include:

* Towel curls: Place a towel on the floor and use your toes to curl it up towards you.

* Toe spread: Place your foot flat on the floor and spread your toes as wide as possible.

* Toe touches: Sit with your legs extended in front of you and reach forward to touch each toe with your hand.

Stretching:

- Gently stretch your toes by pulling them back towards your shin with your hands.

- Hold each stretch for about 10-30 seconds, repeating several times throughout the day.

Toe Spacers:

- Use toe spacers to help separate the toes and reduce pressure between them.

Physical Therapy:

- Consult a physical therapist who can provide personalized exercises and techniques to address your specific condition.

Buddy Taping:

- Tape the hammer toe to an adjacent straight toe to help realign the toe and keep it in a straightened position.

Custom Splinting:

- A podiatrist may create a custom splint to help correct the position of your hammer toe.

It's important to be patient when trying to straighten a hammer toe without surgery, as progress can be gradual. If your hammer toe is severe or does not respond to conservative measures, surgery may be necessary. Always consult with a podiatrist or healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.