Treating Hammertoes
posted: Dec. 02, 2022.
Foot problems are a painful reminder of how important our feet are and how much we take for granted about them. Dr. Sherwin at Family Foot Care Of Bellingham is here to talk with you about treating your hammertoes.
What is Hammertoe?
A “hammer toe” is a toe that is bent at the middle joint of the toe, so that it looks like a hammer. In the beginning they are still flexible and are easier to treat while in the latter stages they become fixed and may then require surgical options to fix. They typically are on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th toes of the foot.
How Do You Treat Hammertoes?
There are both surgical and nonsurgical options for hammertoes. Usually nonsurgical options are fine for early stage hammertoes when the oes are still flexible.
Nonsurgical hammertoe treatment
Different shoes – It seems funny, but an easy firstline treatment option is a change of shoes. Get pairs that are about a half-inch longer than the longest toe and are both soft and roomier than your other pairs. Sandals can also work, you want to avoid tight, cramped shoes.
Foot exercises – Stretching your foot muscles can help hammertoes. Try to pick up cloths on the floor with your toes. Also sit with toes pointed up and then stretch them downward, repeating often so that your toes are exercised.
Pharmacy items – corn pads, straps and cushions are all available to help hammertoes. Keeping your toes padded well and stretched helps.
Surgical hammertoe treatment
If the toes are past the flexibility point and aren’t moving, then surgery may be your only option. This includes lengthening the tendons to correct a joint imbalance, joint fusion to remove small bone fragment in the toe joint, or tendon transfer where bottom of the toe tendons are placed in the top to pull the joint back into a straight position.
Don’t wait if you start to think you may have hammertoes. The longer you wait, the more chance you have of the toes becoming rigid. Take care of your feet with Family Foot Care Of Bellingham and Dr. Sherwin. If you’re in the Bellingham, WA area, give us a call at (360) 738-9797.