What To Know about Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a toe deformity that affects one or more of the three middle toes with a downward curving bend at the middle or end joint. This foot condition develops slowly and isn’t an issue until severe bending has occurred and treatment is more complicated.
Some Early Stage Hammertoe Treatments
If you notice your toes bending earlier, a variety of conservative treatments will help straighten them and avoid future complications like toe surgery. Below are common treatments for early stage hammertoe:
Isolating pads and custom orthotic inserts: Moleskin pads are excellent for isolating corns and blisters that often appear on hammertoes. Orthotic inserts like metatarsal lifts adjust tendon balance, so be sure to talk to our podiatrists.
Wide toe box properly fitted shoes: Wearing shoes that are comfortable and supportive and have a wide toe area will help prevent toe deformities from rubbing inside your footwear.
Medications: Achieve pain relief and swelling reduction with over the counter medications, including Tylenol and Advil.
Strength and flexibility exercises for toes: Slowly scrunching your toes back and forth while standing on a small towel is a great toe exercise. You can also try picking up small objects like marbles and dropping them in a cup. It will also improve flexibility and strength and help straighten bent toes.
You will most likely require surgery to straighten out hammertoes that have become severely bent and rigid.
If you experience toe pain and discomfort from hammertoes, make an appointment today. Our Foot and Ankle Doctors, Dr. Edward Harris, Dr. Neil Goldberg, Dr. Adam Rozenstrauch and Dr. Yakov Groysman, are Hammertoe Specialists. We are conveniently located in Hackensack and Fort Lee, New Jersey. Contact Podiatry Foot & Ankle Institute for a consultation to learn all your treatment options. Please call or book on-line apointment.
