Hammer Toes are a contracture of your toes, which will result in pain, either on top of the PIPJ joint or at the end of the toe. Hammer toes can cause great discomfort for the patient. But fortunatly, there are simple treatments for patients suffering from hammer toes. Here are, in my opinion, the five best treatment for hammer toes:
5. Toe Stretchers or splints– I assume you have seen these advertised for the treatment of hammer toes. They straighten the toes in your feet. However, these do not correct the problem that is causing the hammer toes, so the moment that you take off the splint, the hammer toes will return. The splint for the hammer toes will work but you have to wear them at all times. Here are a couple splints I was talking about:
4. Orthotics– A lot of times hammer toes can be caused by poor biomechanics leading to hammer toes. Whether it be a tight achillies or a flat foot, orthotics can help correct the etiology of the hammer toes. Now the orthotics will not make your toes straight all of a sudden. But the orthotics can help correct the problem that was orginally caused by the hammer toes. There are two types or orthotics. One kind are the over the counter orthotics which you can by over the internet. Or you can obtain custom molded orthotics by a podiatrist, specifically made for your feet. Here are some examples of Over the Counter Orthotics that may help with hammer toe pain.
3. Bigger Shoes– If you are having pain from the hammer toes, a lot of times that pain is caused by the shoes rubbing against the toes as the toes are contracted up in the air. This problem that is causing the pain of hammer toes can generally be alleviated by having a larger toe box in your shoe, so the toes no longer rub.
2. Pads– There are tons of pads on the market, some are removable, some stick on. While the pads will not correct the hammer toe, they will alleviate a great deal of the pain. There are many variations of pads that you can use. Here are some examples of pads for hammer toes:
1. Surgery– The only way to fix a hammer toe permanently is to have surgery. The surgeries are simple and easily done. Call your local Podiatrist, as they do hammer toe surgery all the time. They may fuse the toe straight or make the toe more flexible, but either way your pain will relent. If surgery is not your thing, feel free to try the other four treatments I listed.