Do Hammertoe Nonsurgical Treatments Work?

Nov 4

Written By Podiatry Foot and Ankle Institute

Hammertoe Treatment without Surgery - Podiatry Foot & Ankle Institute located in Hackensack, Fort Lee, NJ

If you notice your toes bending earlier, a variety of conservative treatments will help straighten them and avoid future complications like toe surgery. Hammertoe is a toe deformity that affects one or more of the three middle toes with a downward bend at the middle or end joint. They develop slowly and don't often cause problems until severe bending has occurred and treatment is more complicated.

Here are conservative treatments for early-stage hammertoes that are still somewhat flexible and not bent too badly:

Prescription custom made orthotic inserts & Isolating pads - Moleskin pads are excellent for isolating corns and blisters that often appear on hammertoes. Orthotic inserts like metatarsal lifts adjust tendon balance, so be sure to talk to your foot doctor.
Properly fitted shoes with a wide toe box - Wearing shoes that are comfortable and supportive and have a wide toe area will help prevent toe deformities from rubbing inside your footwear.
Toe strength and flexibility exercises - Slowly scrunching your toes back and forth while standing on a small towel is a great toe exercise. You can also try picking up small objects like marbles and dropping them in a cup. It will also improve flexibility and strength and help straighten bent toes.
Medications - Achieve pain relief and swelling reduction with over the counter medications, including Advil and Tylenol.