4 Ways to Treat Hammertoes
The hammertoe deformity results from a tendon and muscle imbalance in the toes. While the tendency for developing hammertoes is often inherited, they are often made worse by wearing tight-fitting shoes like high heels. Complications from arthritis and toe fractures can also lead to hammertoes. Hammertoes tend to worsen over time and don’t generally get better all by themselves. Make an appointment with your foot doctor for proper hammertoe evaluation and treatment.
4 conservative treatments for hammertoes include the following:
- Properly fitted footwear—Since hammertoes can rub on the inside of your shoes, having enough room in the toe box will help relieve the pressure that is causing rubbing, corns, and blisters. A wider toe box also allows for proper placement of orthotic inserts.
- Orthotics—Specially placed metatarsal lifts are used to decrease tendon imbalance in the toes and allow them to straighten.
- Medications—Corticosteroid injections can help relieve stiffness and pain. While anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen can be taken to reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy exercises—A variety of physical therapy exercises that work with your toes are used to increase toe strength and flexibility.
If you have been neglecting your hammertoes and they have become very rigid and painful, you may need surgery to straighten them out.
The foot experts at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists, in the Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County Arizona, have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle care. Our team of doctors, including Christopher M. Funk, D.P.M., FACFAS, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, and Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, is dedicated to serving you with state-of-the-art, cutting edge medical technologies. These include PinPointe FootLaser, custom-fitted orthotics, and Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT) for chronic foot, heel, or ankle pain. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment please call (520) 575-0800.
