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Reverse Flexible Hammertoe Before It Progresses: 3 Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Hammertoe is one of the most common foot abnormalities seen by our podiatrists in San Diego. In fact, the condition accounts for up to 20% of foot and ankle issues.
Hammertoe describes the lifting up of your interphalangeal toe joint (the one in the middle) to form an upside-down “V”. From the side, the shape resembles a hammer. That’s how it got its name.
Hammertoes usually develop in the second, third, or fourth toes. The big toes are rarely affected.
At North Park Podiatry, our expert podiatrists encourage you to address hammertoes as soon as they develop. Flexible hammertoes may progress to rigid hammertoes, which require surgery to repair.
At our San Diego, California, office, we help you prevent permanent hammertoes.
How can you reverse your hammertoe before it freezes into that uncomfortable position? Follow these five tips.
1. Rethink your shoes
Although many factors may cause or contribute to hammertoes, the type of shoes you wear is foremost among them. A narrow or pointed toe box crams your toes together, increasing the risk of hammertoes.
High heels also contribute to or cause hammertoes by putting excess pressure on your toes when you walk. High heels are terrible for your feet in general and often lead to problems up the kinetic chain, from your feet, all the way to your lower back.
So, if you have foot or back pain — or hammertoes — it's time to trade in your heels for good.
If you have shoes that are too tight but you just can’t live without them, you might try to have them stretched. Or, just limit their use.
Explore the myriad options now available to keep your feet, legs, and back safe while giving your feet a little pizzazz. Flat shoes with roomy toe boxes don’t have to look like Granny’s orthopedics. Take the time to explore your options online.
Also, shop for shoes at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen. If you buy shoes in the morning, the fit may be too tight for you as the day wears on.
2. Pamper your toes
Consider warm foot soaks with Epsom salts to relax your feet and the muscles that control your toe joints. Massage your toes to release tension and stimulate blood flow.
Next, strengthen and stretch your toes with a series of exercises we give you to help keep that hammertoe flexible. If you ignore the hammertoe and don’t strengthen the muscles that control your joints, the hammertoe may become permanent.
You can also use shoe inserts, taping, and pads to keep your toes comfortable. When one toe is out of alignment, it can cause problems in others, including corns and calluses. You may need to take over-the-counter pain medication to control swelling and discomfort.
3. Consider orthotics or a brace
Orthotics are custom-designed inserts we create to correct your foot alignment so your hammer toe can begin to relax back into its normal, healthy position. We may also prescribe spacers between your toes.
Once your foot achieves a healthy alignment, your hammer toe should resolve. Be sure to continue your new habits, such as wearing appropriate footwear and regularly exercising your feet, toes, and ankles, to maintain healthy and strong toes.
What happens if you ignore your hammertoe
If you decide your hammertoe is more of an aesthetic problem than a functional one, and don't get help straightening it out, you could be in for complications.
Your feet need all of their toes in their correct position to provide a stable base.
When you have hammertoes, your body weight gets shifted out of balance when you walk or run. These imbalances can strain other joints and supporting tissues, leading to pain in your:
- Ankle
- Knee
- Hip
- Lower back
Finally, hammertoe is a progressive condition. At first, a hammertoe is flexible and can be straightened with minimal effort and intervention. During the next stage — semi-rigid hammertoes — your toes get stiffer. It’s more difficult to uncurl the “hammer” with your fingers.
In the final stage of hammertoe (rigid hammertoe), you can’t uncurl your toe at all. It stays bent and frozen even when you try to straighten it with your fingers. Rigid hammertoe usually requires surgery to correct.
Keep your hammertoe flexible so you can re-achieve your toe’s healthy alignment. Contact us by phone or via the online appointment form for hammertoe treatment and custom orthotics for hammertoe in San Diego today.