Can You Treat Hammertoes Without Surgery?

Hammertoe is a toe deformity that affects one or more of the three middle toes with a downward bend at the middle or end joint. They develop slowly and don't often cause problems until severe bending has occurred and treatment is more complicated. If you notice your toes bending earlier, a variety of conservative treatments will help straighten them and avoid future complications like toe surgery.

Here are conservative treatments for early-stage hammertoes that are not too badly bent and still somewhat flexible:

• 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 your foot doctor.

• Properly fitted shoes with a wide toe box—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.

• Toe strength and flexibility exercises—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.

If conservative treatments do not work, 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 with your foot doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment. Call Tri County Foot & Ankle Center , located in Bayonne, Randolph, Kearny, Jersey City, and East Brunswick, New Jersey.. With access to advanced technologies, our Foot Doctors and their medical team can help you manage all of your foot and ankle conditions, including heel pain, ankle sprains,, fractures, tendon injuries, toe deformities, fungal toenails, and plantar warts. Call us or make an appointment online today.