How to Fix Hammertoe? Hammer Toe Treatments

Hammertoe is a foot problem that causes one or more of your toes to bend at the middle joint. It creates a hammer-like shape, hence the name. This condition can be painful and make it hard to walk. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat hammertoe. Let’s see how to fix hammertoe and get your feet feeling better.

How to Fix Hammertoe Without Surgery?

If you’re dealing with hammertoe but aren’t ready for surgery, there are several non-surgical treatments that can help:

Wear the Right Shoes

How to fix hammertoe with shoes? Wear shoes with soft, flexible materials that don’t put pressure on your bent toes. Also, shoes with a wide toe box give your feet and toes more room to breathe and move comfortably. Avoid tight, pointed shoes or high heels that squeeze your toes.

Use Toe Splints and Pads

Toe splints can help straighten your toe and keep it in place while you sleep. For daytime use, place cushioned pads inside your shoes to reduce the friction that makes hammertoe Phoenix worse.

Perform Foot Exercises

Simple foot exercises can improve flexibility and strength in your toes. Try curling your toes or spreading them wide, holding each position for 10-15 seconds. These exercises help realign the toe and may even prevent it from getting worse.

Try Orthotics

Orthotics are special inserts you place inside your shoes. They help support the arches of your feet and reduce pressure on your toes. You can use them if your condition is caused by problems with the way you walk.

Use Pain Relief Medication

How to fix hammertoe with medication? If your hammertoe Mesa causes pain, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help reduce the discomfort. These medications ease inflammation and give you the relief you need to go about your day.

Taping the Toe

Taping the toe is another at-home remedy that can help. By gently taping the toe straight, you can reduce pressure and stop it from bending further. Talk to your foot doctor or podiatrist to make sure you’re taping correctly.

What If Hammertoe Treatments Don’t Work?

If you don’t see improvement, it might be time to consider more serious options.

• Corticosteroid Injections: These injections can provide relief from inflammation and pain. They don’t fix the underlying cause of hammertoe Chandler, but they can help ease symptoms, especially if the pain is preventing you from living your life.
• Surgery: Surgery can correct the bent toe and relieve pain in severe cases. There are different types of surgery, including tendon release or bone removal.

How to Fix Hammertoe Surgically?

If your condition is severe or doesn’t improve with other treatments, surgery might be necessary. Here’s how to fix hammertoe surgically:

1. See a podiatrist. They’ll assess your condition and recommend the best type of surgery based on the severity of your hammertoe.
2. During surgery, the podiatrist will make a small incision near the affected toe. The surgery may involve cutting the tendons or bones to straighten the toe. In some cases, the joint may need to be fused.
3. Once finished, you’ll need to follow your doctor’s instructions for recovery. This often includes resting your foot, elevating it, and keeping the surgical site clean. You may have to wear a cast or splint for a few weeks.

What Happens If You Don’t Treat Hammertoes?

Ignoring hammertoe Scottsdale doesn’t just mean living with foot pain. If you don’t treat the condition, it can lead to other problems:

• Pressure from shoes can lead to corns, calluses, or blisters on the toe.
• As the toe bends further, it can affect your gait which causes discomfort in your feet, knees, and back.
• Without treatment, your condition can become permanent. It will later lead to difficulty moving your toe and ongoing pain.

How to Prevent Hammertoes?

Prevention, in the first place, is possible. Follow these tips to reduce your risk:

• Wear shoes with enough room for your toes.
• Avoid tight shoes and high heels that put pressure on your toes.
• Perform foot exercises regularly to keep your toes flexible.
• Keep a healthy weight to decrease stress on your feet.
• If you start noticing symptoms, see a podiatrist right away.

Recovery

• If you choose non-surgical treatments, you can expect relief within a few weeks. However, the condition might return if not properly managed.
• If you need surgery, recovery typically takes 6-8 weeks. You’ll need to rest your foot and avoid putting too much weight on it during the healing process.

Time to See a Podiatrist

If you’re dealing with hammertoe Gilbert, there are certain times when it’s important to see a podiatrist:

• If the condition causes pain, it makes it difficult to walk or stand.
• If you notice any skin changes, like blisters or calluses, on the affected toe.
• If the condition doesn’t improve with home treatments like stretching or changing shoes.
• If you experience difficulty moving the toe or notice it becoming more bent.

Fix Hammertoes in Phoenix, Arizona

If you live in Phoenix and need help with your hammertoe, we’re here to help. At Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers, our experienced podiatrists know how to fix hammertoe both non-surgically and surgically. Contact us today at 480-812-3668 to schedule a consultation and start your path toward pain relief.

The Bottom Line

Hammertoe may start as a small issue, but left untreated, it can result in pain and difficulty with daily activities. Fortunately, you got plenty of treatment options to fix the problem. If you notice any signs, don’t wait to seek treatment. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of a full recovery.

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