“What are the treatment options for hammertoes?”
I have hammertoes. What are the treatment options for hammertoes?
12 Answers
AcupuncturePodiatrist
Hammer toes may be surgically corrected via a procedure called an 'arthroplasty' or 'fusion' of the toes
Treatment options for hammertoes include massage, herbs, and acupuncture with heat. I suggest you try.
acupuncture treatment.
Hammer toe can be treated with non-surgical methods or surgery. Non-surgical treatments include:
-Wearing proper shoes: Avoid high heels, narrow shoes, or shoes with pointed toes. Instead, wear shoes with a wide toe box and flexible material.
-Using shoe inserts: Custom orthotics can help relieve pain by supporting the foot muscles.
-Taking medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help with pain and swelling.
-Stretching: Stretching and strengthening the toe muscles can help improve flexibility. OTC Toe Seperators may help.
-Using corn pads: Corn pads can relieve pressure and irritation caused by friction.
-Using a splint or tape: A doctor can apply a splint or tape to realign the toe.
-Getting a corticosteroid injection: A corticosteroid injection can help with pain and inflammation.
Surgery may be an option if non-surgical methods don't provide enough relief. Surgery can be performed to straighten these hammer toes (and therefore alleviate joint pain) using local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
-Wearing proper shoes: Avoid high heels, narrow shoes, or shoes with pointed toes. Instead, wear shoes with a wide toe box and flexible material.
-Using shoe inserts: Custom orthotics can help relieve pain by supporting the foot muscles.
-Taking medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help with pain and swelling.
-Stretching: Stretching and strengthening the toe muscles can help improve flexibility. OTC Toe Seperators may help.
-Using corn pads: Corn pads can relieve pressure and irritation caused by friction.
-Using a splint or tape: A doctor can apply a splint or tape to realign the toe.
-Getting a corticosteroid injection: A corticosteroid injection can help with pain and inflammation.
Surgery may be an option if non-surgical methods don't provide enough relief. Surgery can be performed to straighten these hammer toes (and therefore alleviate joint pain) using local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
You may try ac upuncture.
Non-surgical treatment:
Footwear modifications: Wearing wider shoes with a roomy toe box can help reduce pressure on the hammertoe.
Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts can help redistribute pressure and improve the alignment of the foot.
Padding: Placing pads or moleskin over the hammertoe can help relieve pressure and prevent the formation of corns or calluses.
Stretching and strengthening exercises: These can help improve the flexibility and strength of the muscles in the foot.
Surgical treatment:
If non-surgical treatments fail to relieve pain or improve the appearance of the hammertoe, surgery may be recommended. Surgical options include:
Tendon release: This procedure involves releasing the tight tendons that are causing the toe to curl.
Joint fusion: This procedure involves fusing the joint of the hammertoe to straighten it.
Bone removal: In some cases, a portion of the bone may need to be removed to straighten the toe.
Footwear modifications: Wearing wider shoes with a roomy toe box can help reduce pressure on the hammertoe.
Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts can help redistribute pressure and improve the alignment of the foot.
Padding: Placing pads or moleskin over the hammertoe can help relieve pressure and prevent the formation of corns or calluses.
Stretching and strengthening exercises: These can help improve the flexibility and strength of the muscles in the foot.
Surgical treatment:
If non-surgical treatments fail to relieve pain or improve the appearance of the hammertoe, surgery may be recommended. Surgical options include:
Tendon release: This procedure involves releasing the tight tendons that are causing the toe to curl.
Joint fusion: This procedure involves fusing the joint of the hammertoe to straighten it.
Bone removal: In some cases, a portion of the bone may need to be removed to straighten the toe.
Hammertoes occur due to a muscle imbalance in the foot. There are surgical and non surgical options. I recommend you be evaluated by a foot and ankle specialist (podiatrist) for diagnosis, and treatment options,
Orthotics and surgery are the most common treatment options
Non surgical options are wide toe box shoes to accommodate the toes. There are toe splints to avoid rubbing of the toes with the shoes. Inserts are also helpful to slow down the process of the deformity.
Surgery is an option if everything fails to give relief. New technology has allowed patients to recover much faster.
Surgery is an option if everything fails to give relief. New technology has allowed patients to recover much faster.
The best treatment option for you will depend on the severity of your hammertoes and your individual circumstances. It's important to consult with a podiatrist to discuss your options and determine the most appropriate course of action.
Well, you have one treatment that may be marginally helpful. Since hammertoes are a flexion reaction to past foot conditions (trying to fit into shoes that are too small), the one thing that might produce a positive reaction is manual manipulation. In other words, we're talking about time-consuming work with your own hands to relax and elongate the toes back to a normal condition.
Dr. Denise C. Woods
Council Bluffs, IA
Non-surgical treatment options include shoe orthotics (hammer toe splints), shoe pads, chiropractic adjustments of the toe. The best treatment options depend on the severity of the hammer toe.
