5 Effective Ways to Treat Hammertoes
Hammertoes—which cause the middle toe joints to become locked in a curled position resembling the top of a hammer—account for about 20% of all podiatry visits. While hammertoes can be painful, various treatments can prevent the problem from worsening and help realign the affected toes.
At Midwest Foot & Ankle Associates in Rockford and Elgin, Illinois, expert podiatrist Dr. Biren Shah specializes in hammertoe treatment. Here, we explore five simple ways to manage hammertoes. These approaches can ease pain, promote mobility, and restore your toes’ range of motion.
5 strategies for treating hammertoes
Whenever possible, we take a conservative, integrative approach to treating hammertoes. Some of the measures commonly prescribed include:
1. Wearing shoes with plenty of toe room
One of the most common causes of hammertoes is wearing shoes that crowd your toes, such as high heels. When your toes are squeezed together or your toe joints are bent for hours each day, they’re more likely to become locked in that position.
The good news is that wearing comfortable shoes with plenty of toe room has the opposite effect. Various brands and types of shoes can meet this need, but a good rule of thumb is to only wear shoes that allow you to wiggle your toes inside them.
2. Toe exercises
Hammertoes are stiff and difficult to move, but certain exercises can help loosen them up and prevent your affected joints from locking.
One of the best exercises for hammertoes is called a “towel scrunch.” To get started, remove your socks and place a towel on the ground beneath your foot. Then, use your toes to pull the towel up or “scrunch” it. Release your grip and let the towel fall back into place. Repeat this exercise eight to 12 times on each foot twice daily.
3. Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication
Many people with hammertoes experience painful swelling and stiffness. This can make it difficult to stand for extended periods, much less walk around the grocery store or exercise. Taking an OTC medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can reduce swelling and ease discomfort, so you can keep up with your routine.
4. Custom orthotics
If your pain continues or worsens even after changing your shoes, you may benefit from custom orthotics. Custom orthotics are prescription shoe inserts that look similar to the insoles you can buy at the pharmacy, but they’re designed specifically for your feet, making them generally more effective.
Orthotics help redistribute weight and relieve pressure on the feet. They can also provide extra padding, keeping the affected toes from rubbing against the interior of the shoes.
5. Surgery
Hammertoes often improve with conservative treatments, like targeted exercises and wearing more comfortable shoes. However, if your hammertoe becomes locked in a bent position, known as a rigid hammertoe, the only way to restore its range of motion is through surgery.
We recommend surgery only as a last resort when other forms of treatment prove unsuccessful. We use a minimally invasive approach with small incisions, reducing the risk of complications and allowing for a speedy recovery.
Contact us for hammertoe treatment!
Hammertoes can affect mobility and quality of life, but help is available. Contact Midwest Foot & Ankle Associates today to schedule a consultation. Call the nearest office or request an appointment online.