Avoid Surgery with Early Hammertoe Treatments
When your toes bend down abnormally at the end joints, the condition is known as hammertoe. If the abnormal bending can continue without intervention, the toes may become permanently bent and rigid, and only surgery will be able to straighten them out. Fortunately, by seeing your foot doctor at the first sign of abnormal toe bending, you start therapy that will help avoid the need for future surgery.
Some early hammertoe treatments that can help to avoid future surgery may include the following:
Wear comfortable and supportive shoes with a wide toe box—One of the most important considerations for hammertoe treatment and general foot health is to wear properly fitted and supportive shoes. A wider toe box and deeper heel cup will help keep hammertoe tops from rubbing and forming corns and blisters.
Metatarsal lifts and other orthotics—A variety of arch supports and orthotic shoe inserts, including metatarsal lifts, are placed inside your shoes and under the base of the toes to help the toe tendons straighten out the affected toes.
Pain treatment—OTC meds like ibuprofen used in moderation for pain relief and lower swelling.
Physical therapy—Toe exercises like towel scrunches and picking up and releasing small objects such as marbles with your toes will help improve tendon flexibility to help straighten the toes.
Hammertoes that have been deforming for a while and are severely bent and rigid will most likely require surgery to straighten correctly.
If you are experiencing pain and discomfort from hammertoes, see your foot doctor for the proper diagnosis and best treatment. James C. Ricketti, DPM of Hamilton Square, NJ (in Mercer County), is a board-certified podiatrist providing state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options for all types of foot and ankle injuries, diseases, and deformities. From hammertoes and bunions to diabetic foot problems and sports injuries, you can rest assured that Dr. Ricketti and his staff will get you back on your feet as fast as possible. Please contact our office with any questions or to schedule an appointment. Call 609-587-1674.