Hammertoes develop slowly and often don’t cause any problems in the early stages. Unfortunately, this causes many people to forgo hammertoe treatment until the toes have gotten more bent and rigid and thus harder to treat. If you start treatment when you first notice your toes bending abnormally, they are easier to straighten out.
Some excellent hammertoe treatments that can help prevent the need for future surgery include the following:
1) Physical therapy exercises—A variety of exercises can help increase the strength and flexibility of your toes and help prevent hammertoes from worsening. While standing on a towel scrunch the material with your toes back and forth. Pick up small objects like marbles with your toes and drop them in a cup. Spread out your toes and individually massage and stretch them.
2) Cushions and padding—You can help prevent rubbing, blisters, and corns on hammertoes by using insulating pads and cushions.
3) Wear shoes with a wide toe box—Wearing properly fitted shoes with a wider toe box for your toes to move around without rubbing can decrease hammertoe issues and also provide room for custom orthotic inserts.
If you have hammertoes that have gotten severely bent and rigid, you will probably need surgery to straighten them out.
For bothersome hammertoes and other foot and ankle problems, see your foot doctor for an evaluation. Dr. Scott Nelson of Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic in Garland, TX (county of Dallas) is a board-certified and highly experienced podiatrist who has helped people suffering from all types of foot and ankle injuries and deformities. From bunions to diabetic foot problems, sports injuries and fungal nails, you can trust that Dr. Nelson and his staff are wholeheartedly devoted to your foot health. Please contact our office with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment by calling 972-414-9800.