What can be done for hammertoe pain?

Hello. Thank you for writing today.

Hammertoe (and mallet toe) are foot deformities that occur due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. The type of shoes you wear, foot structure, trauma and certain disease processes can contribute to the development of these deformities.

Relieving the pain and pressure of hammertoe may involve changing your footwear and wearing shoe inserts. In addition, your doctor might suggest exercises — such as picking up marbles or crumpling a towel with your toes — to stretch and strengthen your toe muscles. If you have a more severe case of hammertoe or mallet toe, you might need surgery to get relief.

Helena