What to Do About Hammer Toe: Surgical and Non-surgical Treatment Options

Hammer toes are a common foot ailment that affects people of any age or gender. This ailment develops when the toes bend at the middle joint, making them resemble a hammer. Hammer toes can cause pain and make it difficult to wear specific shoes. They can also make it difficult to walk and do daily tasks. 

In this post, we'll look at the causes and symptoms of hammer toes. We will also go over nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for hammer toes that can help relieve pain and rectify the deformity. Whether you have mild or severe hammer toes, this article can help you get relief and improve your foot health.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Hammer Toes: 

Wearing Proper Footwear

Appropriate footwear is one of the most significant non-surgical treatments for hammer toes. Proper footwear can help ease symptoms and slow the severity of the deformity. Shoes with a wide toe box can assist in relieving strain on the afflicted joint by giving the toes more room to move freely. We also propose a zero-drop shoe (with the heel and toe on the same plane) to prevent undue load on the forefoot.

People with hammer toes can ease symptoms and keep the issue from progressing by wearing shoes with these attributes. We have particular footwear recommendations on this page, and you can use one of our discount codes to save money on shoes that are better for your feet.

Toe Exercises

Toe exercises might be an effective nonsurgical treatment for hammer toes. These exercises stretch and strengthen the muscles in the feet, resulting in better foot alignment and less pain. Toe spreads include spreading your toes and holding them in place for a few seconds before letting go.

This exercise strengthens the muscles that control toe mobility and increases overall foot stability. Other exercises, such as using resistance bands to build strength, tenting the foot, and finding the tripod, can be pretty beneficial. People with hammer toes can improve foot health while reducing pain and suffering by including toe exercises in their daily regimen. You can find some free toe exercises on our Instagram page, or join our 12-week online program for reduced discomfort and greater performance, which includes focused weekly exercises to complete.

Orthotic Devices, Padding, and Taping

Hammer toes can be effectively treated non-surgically with orthotic devices, cushioning, and tape. These cushion the damaged toes, relieving pain and preventing future deformity.

Toe spacers, for example, are little devices that fit between the toes and help maintain a more natural stance. They can assist relieve strain on the afflicted joint and straighten the toes. You can find our favorites at our store.

Another alternative is to install metatarsal pads in the shoe to cushion and support the ball of the foot. This can assist in relieving pressure on the toes and increase overall foot comfort. Taping can also be utilized to keep the affected toes in a more natural posture and avoid additional joint bending. Orthotic devices, padding, and tape can assist relieve pain and suffering caused by hammer toes while also preventing future deformity.

Surgical Treatments for Hammer Toes

For patients with severe or advanced hammer toes, surgery may be recommended. Several surgical options exist, including arthroplasty, arthrodesis, and tendon transfer. However, these should only be considered in the most extreme instances. There is so much you can do before having hammer toe surgery.

Arthroplasty is the removal of a small portion of bone from the problematic joint to assist in straightening the toe. The joint is then secured with a pin or wire while it heals. Arthrodesis, however, entails fusing the afflicted joint to keep it from bending. Tendon transfer can also address muscle imbalances and straighten the toes.

These surgical treatments are often performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthetic. The recovery period varies according to the procedure and severity of the deformity, although it can range from a few weeks to several months. While surgery can be beneficial in treating hammer toes, it is typically used as a last resort after non-surgical options have been exhausted.

If you have severe or advanced hammer toes, talk to your doctor about whether surgical treatment is right for you. They can provide information on the risks and benefits of each surgery, allowing you to make an informed decision about your medical alternatives.