Tips For Treating And Managing Hammertoe

Hammertoe often develops on the second or third toe, and there is usually corns or calluses on top of the joint. Typically, hammertoe occurs in adults, but it can affect children as well. Hammertoe is most often due to an imbalance in the muscles of the feet or from wearing inappropriately fitting shoes. Hammertoe is also seen in individuals with diabetes, those who have suffered neurological damage, or due to hereditary foot and leg structure. Hammertoe that does not cause any pain is likely just a cosmetic concern for most people. Potential problems associated with hammertoe includes painful corns and calluses, metatarsalgia, arthritis pain, bunions, knuckle pads, and flat feet. Here are the top solutions for treating hammertoe and its symptoms.

Orthotic Inserts

A podiatrist can make custom-made orthotics that will help toe deformities and counteract imbalances leading to hammertoe. Orthotic inserts support the individual's foot, and many can have heel or arch wedges added to over-the-counter insoles. These products improve the positioning of the toes while walking. Toe splints are readily available and are successful in reducing shoe friction that causes pain.

Orthotic inserts are soft, yet firm and help redistribute body weight evenly across the joints and bones of the foot. They alleviate excess stress from the toes, thus reducing pain. Most podiatrists highly recommend custom-made inserts if you suffer from bunions and hammertoe. They are made to match the size and shape of your foot and are usually ready within two weeks. Once they are ready, your doctor will schedule an appointment to ensure they fit your feet properly.

Strengthening Exercises For Toe Muscles

For individuals with flexible cases of hammertoe, many strengthening exercises for toe muscles can help. Specific techniques counteract the muscle imbalances that cause deformities. A podiatrist or physical therapist can teach patients exercises to target the extensor muscles pulling the foot upward against resistance. Keeping the toe joints strong through exercise will prevent hammertoes and reduce pain. Examples of these exercises are marble pickups, towel curls, or just pulling toes to stretch the joints. If the pain hasn't gone away, you haven't noticed an improvement after two weeks, or if you have sores, contact a doctor. Foot wounds left untreated can get infected and cause osteomyelitis and cellulitis especially if you have arterial disease or diabetes.

Appropriate Footwear

While hammertoe can affect individuals who wear ergonomic shoes, uncomfortable footwear will contribute to and aggravate the problem. This is especially true in individuals who are prone to toe deformities. High heels or tight-fitting shoes cause rubbing, toe cramping, muscle imbalances, and stress resulting in toe contractures. Doctors recommend patients wear appropriate footwear with good arch support and plenty of room in the toes. Ergonomic shoes for foot deformities are designed to provide more depth, a wide toe-box, and ample room for individuals who suffer from this condition. Pairing them with orthotic insoles will enhance comfort while helping align the foot to function efficiently, improve mobility, and alleviate pressure all around the foot.

Pain Relief Medication

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are often used to reduce pain and swelling in the toes. They reduce inflammation in the joints, and most are available over-the-counter, however, if they aren't successful at relieving pain, doctors may recommend stronger pain medication. It's important to note the prolonged use of pain relief medication may cause headaches and nausea. Many times a doctor will use cortisone injections to treat acute pain from hammertoe. Gently massaging the feet daily and applying ice packs will also reduce painful swelling. Patients can also use over-the-counter straps, cushions, or pads to help decrease discomfort.

Surgery

There are surgical hammertoe procedures that remove soft tissue and bone to realign toes. Generally, this is the last resort if conventional methods to relieve symptoms are unsuccessful or if the hammertoe is causing skin wounds. A surgical procedure is also recommended if a patient can't move the joint, and their activity is limited. Doctors can improve flexibility by moving tendons releasing tension on the joints and straightening the toe. Options include phalangeal head resection, joint fusion, receiving a toe implant, or, in rare cases, amputation. While surgery can reduce pain, it might not change the appearance of a case of hammertoe. The doctor will explain the types of surgery to the patient and how they may help.