Treatment FAQ

what is the best treatment for hammer toe

by Juanita Hane MD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Procedures

Mar 28, 2022 · Best Crest Pad: Dr. Frederick's Original 4 Piece Hammer Toe Treatment Set Offers arch support Can customize to how many toes you have on each foot that are in pain; one toe or all of them Can be worn under socks and shoes

Therapy

The following are some of the treatment methods that we will consider administering, depending upon the severity of your condition: Wearing pads that gradually shift your toes position back to normal. Removing the bunion that is causing the hammertoe. Gently stretching the affected toe. Surgery to reposition the toe. Schedule An Appointment

Self-care

Nov 05, 2019 · Taping the affected toe is also a common treatment method for hammertoe. However, this is only possible in milder cases where the affected toe is still flexible. All that you need is a piece of tape. You will need to wrap the tape under the big toe, over the hammer toe, and under the toe next to the hammertoe to help keep it in a straight position.

Nutrition

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How do you cure hammer toe?

Does hammertoe splint help cure hammertoes?

How to fix hammer toe without surgery [with tape]?

How do you straighten hammer toes?

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How to help a toe pain?

Lifestyle and home remedies. Wearing proper footwear may ease your foot pain. Low-heeled shoes with a deep toe box and flexible material covering the toes can help. Make sure there's a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) of space between your longest toe and the inside tip of your shoe.

What to do if your toe is still flexible?

Treatment. If your toe is still flexible, your doctor might recommend that you change to roomier, more comfortable footwear and that you wear shoe inserts (orthotics) or pads. Inserts or pads can reposition your toe and relieve pressure and pain.

What to do if you have a foot problem?

If you're having a problem with your feet, you'll likely start by seeing your primary care provider. Or you may be referred immediately to a foot specialist (podiatrist or orthopedist).

Can you cut corn off your toe?

It's also risky to try shaving or cutting an unsightly corn off your toe. Foot wounds can easily get infected, and foot infections are often difficult to treat, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

How to fix hammertoe?

But there are other fixes besides surgery. These include: 1 Wear sensible shoes. If you don’t want to have surgery to fix your hammertoe, Dr. Stock suggests using non-medicated padding along with proper shoes made with a wider and deeper toe box to accommodate your foot’s shape. “Ensuring your shoes have a good arch support can slow the progression of the condition as well,” she says. 2 Use a pumice stone. The corn or callus that forms on top of the hammertoe can cause discomfort when you wear shoes. “Treat the corn by using a file or pumice stone to reduce its size after a warm bath, then apply emollients to keep the area softened and pliable,” suggests Dr. Botek. She also recommends using silicone or moleskin padding on top of the area when wearing shoes. 3 Do foot exercises. Dr. Botek says she gives her patients exercises for their toes to keep them supple and strengthen the muscles that move them. “Theoretically, exercises like extending, then curling the toes, splaying the toes, and moving the toes individually may help prevent the digital contracture that causes hammertoe,” she explains.

What to do if you don't want surgery on your hammertoe?

Advertising Policy. But there are other fixes besides surgery. These include: Wear sensible shoes. If you don’t want to have surgery to fix your hammertoe, Dr. Stock suggests using non-medicated padding along with proper shoes made with a wider and deeper toe box to accommodate your foot’s shape.

What to do if you have a corn on your hammertoe?

The corn or callus that forms on top of the hammertoe can cause discomfort when you wear shoes. “Treat the corn by using a file or pumice stone to reduce its size after a warm bath, then apply emollients to keep the area softened and pliable,” suggests Dr. Botek.

What is the difference between a clawtoe and a hammertoe?

Clawtoes are bent at the middle and end joints, while hammertoes are bent at the middle joint only. When it’s mallet toe, the joint at the end of the toe buckles. The skin near the toenail tip develops a painful corn that can eventually result in an ulcer. Doctors further categorize all forms of hammertoe based on whether ...

Why does my toe stick up?

The condition is actually a deformity that happens when one of the toe muscles becomes weak and puts pressure on the toe’s tendons and joints. This pressure forces the toe to become misshapen and stick up at the joint. Also, there’s frequently a corn or callus on top of the deformed toe. This outgrowth can cause pain when it rubs against the shoe.

What does it mean when your toes are hammered?

If the joint on one of your toes — usually the toe next to the big toe or the smallest toe — points upward rather than lying flat , you might have a hammertoe.

Why do my feet have hammertoes?

Stock, when it comes to genetics, the foot type you’re born with predisposes you to developing this type of joint deformity over a lifetime. “For many, a flat flexible foot leads to hammertoes as the foot tries to stabilize against a flattening arch.

How to prevent hammertoe?

Do foot exercises: Your podiatrist can suggest exercises for your toes to keep them supple and strengthen the muscles that move them. Extending, then curling the toes, splaying the toes and moving the toes individually may help prevent the contracture that causes hammertoe.

What are the different types of hammertoes?

There are three types of hammertoes: Flexible hammertoes: A flexible hammertoe is still developing, so the affected toes are still able to move at the joint. Semi-rigid: The hammertoe is starting to stiffen. Rigid hammertoes: A rigid hammertoe can no longer move because the tendons and soft tissues have tightened.

What does it mean when your toe is getting stiff?

A joint in your toe that’s getting rigid. Pain – usually at the top of your bent toe. Pain in the ball of your foot. Corns and calluses at the top of your joint. Redness, inflammation, or a burning sensation. Restricted or painful motion of your toe joint. Swelling at your joint.

Why does my toe point up?

This deformity happens because muscles in your foot or leg get weak and the tendons to your toe pull abnormally. You might find that you also have a corn or callus on top of your deformed toe, which may be painful.

How many bones are there in each foot?

Each of your feet have 28 bones. Of your five toes, the first (or “big” toe) has two joints: the metatarsophalangeal joint and the interphalangeal joint. The other four have three joints: at the base of your toe is the metatarsophalangeal joint (the first joint), in the middle is the proximal interphalangeal joint (the second joint) ...

How to get rid of corn on hammertoe?

Use a pumice stone: The corn or callus that forms on top of the hammertoe can cause discomfort when you wear shoes. Use a file or pumice stone after a warm bath to reduce the corn or callus' size. Then, apply emollients to keep the area soft and pliable.

How to control foot pain?

Custom shoe inserts/orthotic devices: These can control how your foot functions. Pain relief: Taking anti-inflammatory drugs or getting cortisone shots to alleviate your pain. Taping your toes: This can change the muscle imbalance. Insulating padding: Padding around the hammertoe can minimize pressure.

What Is Hammer Toe?

Hammertoe is a condition in which your toe curls downward instead of pointing forward. Although it most commonly affects the second or third toe, a hammertoe can occur on any of the toes. Common causes of this condition can be found listed below:

Symptoms Which Need Treating

At Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York, our team cannot stress the importance of keeping your feet healthy enough. These body parts allow you to walk around and aid in the completion of everyday tasks. Even small issues that take place can severely impact your quality of life.

Treatment Options

Fortunately for our patients, a hammertoe is not something you have to live with forever. A treatment plan can be devised to return the affected toe back to its normal position by visiting our podiatrist in NYC. The following are some of the treatment methods that we will consider administering, depending upon the severity of your condition:

Schedule An Appointment

Trying to get through life with a hammertoe can quickly prove to be a challenging experience. At Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York, we understand this and can provide treatment to restore the toe back to its normal position. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help, please don’t hesitate to contact our podiatrist in NYC today.

How to keep hammer toe straight?

Splinting the hammer toe to keep it straight, stretch out the tendons and muscles of the toe and the foot; Exerci sing to increase the flexibility of the toe and the entire foot, relaxing the tendons and muscles; Using over-the-counter painkillers to reduce the pain; Applying cold pads to reduce any pain, swelling, ...

How to correct hammertoe?

Picking up various small and bigger things using your toes is also a great exercise that you can use. Picking up marbles and towels seem to do the trick to correct a hammertoe efficiently. You can also put a towel under your foot and use your toes to crumple it, a popular exercise known as towel curls.

What is a hammer toe?

Hammer’s toe is a deformity that characterizes itself with bending or curling of the toe downward instead of being positioned in the normal straight forward position. Most often, it is the second or third toe that is affected, but other toes can be affected as well. Over time, as the deformity progresses, eventually, ...

What are the symptoms of a hammertoe?

Symptoms/Characteristics Of A Hammertoe. The most characteristic symptom is the upward bent toe. At first, the individual is able to strengthen the toe forward. However, this becomes more and more painful as the condition progresses. Blisters may occur as well, as a result of the hammertoe rubbing against the inside of the shoe.

Where to wrap tape for hammer toe?

You will need to wrap the tape under the big toe, over the hammer toe, and under the toe next to the hammertoe to help keep it in a straight position. This works similarly to the method of splinting that we mentioned before.

How to reduce swelling in toes?

Using over-the-counter painkillers to reduce the pain; Applying cold pads to reduce any pain, swelling, and soreness of the toe and the foot; Wearing toe pads or insoles; Wearing properly fitted shoes etc.

Who is Ahmed Zayed?

Doctor, author and fitness enthusiast, Ahmed Zayed, MD, is a surgery resident with a passion for helping people live a happy healthy life. He is the author of numerous health-related books and contributor to several medicine, health and wellbeing.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Preparing For Your Appointment

Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Mild condition can be resolved by physical therapy including exercises. Severe conditions may need surgery.
Procedures

Hammertoe Surgery: Surgery is done if other treatments fail. In this procedure the toe is realigned and normal movement is restored.

Therapy

Physical therapy:Exercises are prescribed to stretch and strengthen the toe muscles.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Use well fitted shoes.
  • Wear toe pads or insoles if it is caused by a high arch condition.
  • Use over-the-counter cushions or pads to treat corns and bunions.
  • Gently stretch the toes to relieve pain.

Nutrition

There are no specific nutrition guidelines. Have a well-balanced healthy diet.

Specialist to consult

Podologist
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of foot diseases.
Physical therapist
A health professional who helps patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility.
Orthopedician
Specializes in bones and their disorders.

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