Hammer Toe Treatment Without Surgery

Hammer toe can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty wearing shoes. Many people want to avoid surgery and look for ways to fix it at home or with non-surgical care. Hammer toe treatment without surgery is often effective when you start early and follow the right plan. This guide explains the most helpful methods that doctors recommend.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy helps the toe move better and feel less stiff. It makes the small muscles in your foot stronger and more flexible. Here are some easy exercises you can do:

• Pick up small objects like marbles or coins with your toes
• Use your toes to scrunch up a towel on the floor
• Gently pull your toe straight with your hand and hold it for a few seconds
• Move your toe up and down while sitting to keep it loose

Hammer toe treatment without surgery works best when you do these exercises every day. They help your toe stay straighter and hurt less over time.

Medications and injections

Medications reduce pain and swelling caused by hammer toe. Non-prescription pills like ibuprofen or naproxen help many people. In some cases, a foot doctor in Phoenix might suggest a steroid injection if pain continues.

This reduces inflammation around the toe joint and allows you to stay active. While these steps do not fix the bend in the toe, they support other parts of hammer toe treatment without surgery and help keep symptoms under control.

Padding and taping

Pads and tape help protect your toe and keep it straighter. They also make walking more comfortable. You can try these:

• Use soft pads or gel cushions to stop your toe from rubbing in your shoe
• Wrap your toe with medical tape to hold it in a better position
• Wear a small splint to keep your toe straight during the day
• Find these items at most drugstores or online

Padding and taping are easy ways to get support and reduce pain. They help with hammer toe treatment without surgery.

Orthotics

Orthotics are soft inserts you put inside your shoes. They help your feet feel better and take pressure off your toes. You can use orthotics to:

• Support your feet while you walk or stand
• Reduce pain in your toes and feet
• Keep your toes apart with small cushions or spacers
• Help your foot stay in the right position

Orthotics are a helpful part of hammer toe treatment without surgery. You can buy them at the store or get custom ones from the best foot doctor in Gilbert.

Shoe modifications

Wearing the right shoes can help your toe feel better and stop it from getting worse. Good shoes give your toes space and reduce pressure.

Look for shoes that:

• Have a wide toe area so your toes don’t get squeezed
• Use soft materials that don’t press on your toes
• Have low or flat heels to take pressure off the front of your foot
• Are deep enough to fit padding or orthotics inside

Avoid shoes that:

• Have pointed toes
• Are tight or narrow
• Have high heels
• Are stiff with hard material

Wearing the right shoes is a key part of hammer toe treatment without surgery. They protect your toes and help keep them in a better position.

Last Word

Hammer toe treatment without surgery can work well when you act early and stay consistent. It includes exercises, medication, padding, orthotics, and proper shoes. Each step helps reduce pressure and supports the toe’s natural position. If the toe remains flexible, these treatments can stop it from getting worse. Always speak with a podiatrist if you feel unsure or if your toe becomes stiff or painful.

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