“Can hammertoes be corrected without surgery?”
I have hammertoe and want to fix it. Can hammertoes be corrected without surgery?
10 Answers
Non surgical options include but not limited to: Toe spacers, crest pads, corn pads, moleskin, silicone toe sleeves and caps, splints and wider toe box shoes. If the pain from the hammertoes is not alleviated from conservative care, less invasive surgical options are available.
Unfortunately no. In the very early stages of development, which is rarely noticed by a patient, one could wear a splint on the toe(s), but generally patients will not wear such a splint for a long time. Also, even if a splint is worn it will not "correct" a hammer toe, but it might slow the progression. In its advanced moderate or severe development a hammer toe can only be corrected through various surgical procedures.
Unfortunately, the only way to correct a hammertoe is with surgery. Any splint applied to a hammertoe will keep the toe corrected while the splint is still on. Once the splint is removed, it will return to a hammertoe.
No.
The more stiff and arthritic hammertoes are they usually require surgical intervention. Toe splint braces and Physical Therapy can help but they typically are not curative of hammertoes.
With the right combination of exercises, orthotic inserts, and footwear modifications, hammertoes can frequently be treated non-surgically. Toe flexibility and muscular balance can be improved with stretching and strengthening activities. Custom orthotic inserts can also aid with pressure redistribution and pain relief. Aside from avoiding high heels, wearing shoes with broad toe boxes can also help stop the problem from getting worse. But occasionally, surgery can be required to fix the issue. To decide the best course of action for your unique case, it is always preferable to consult with a doctor/podiatrist.
No, hammertoe is a deformity with mal alignment of the toe joints, in order for it to be corrected or cured, surgery is the solution.
Some toe devices from the drug store might help minor deformity but surgery may be needed for stiff toes.
You can slow the progression of hammer toes sometimes with Orthotics. But, in general, no-you can not correct hammer toes without surgery.
Hammertoes occur due to a muscle imbalance in the foot. I recommend you make an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment options
