By EKalman June 20, 2024 - 4:52am

Hammertoes, sometimes known as "curled" or "bent" toes, are a common source of foot discomfort and uneasiness about appearance. A hammertoe derives its name from how it appears from the side: with a permanent bend in one or both of the toe joints, it resembles the head of a hammer. Fortunately, many cases of hammertoes can be improved, if not reversed, with nonsurgical treatments. Here is an outline of what causes hammertoe and how to treat it without surgery.

What causes hammertoe?
Hammertoe usually affects the second, third, or fourth toes and is caused by recurrent constriction, which occurs when the toes are forced into a bent position for an extended period. This constriction creates a muscular imbalance, causing the toe to curl or bend. Though you may not be aware of it, six sets of muscles help stabilize the bones of your second to fifth toes. Each of these muscles helps to maintain your toes flat on the ground while you walk. When muscle balance is disrupted, the toe joint may buck and contract.

Most hammertoe cases are caused by wearing uncomfortable shoes, especially those with narrow, tight, or sharp toes, which can bind the forefoot. Other risk factors include foot anatomy and previous toe injuries. For example, having a bunion or a second toe longer than your big toe increases your chances of developing this ailment.

How do you reverse hammertoe?
Hammertoe can often be effectively treated without surgery if caught early enough while the affected toe is still flexible. As a result, you must get treatment as soon as you notice symptoms of a growing hammertoe to ensure the best possible outcome. Hammertoe is a degenerative illness that worsens over time, so the sooner you get treatment, the better.

What are the nonsurgical treatments for hammertoe?
Doctors at the podiatry center may successfully cure many individuals with painful and humiliating hammertoes without the need for a “hammer toe surgery.” Here are four conservative therapy approaches that have proven effective for early-stage cases.

1. Physical therapy – Stretching and strengthening exercises can be an effective first line of defense in reversing the muscle imbalance that causes hammertoe.
2. Footwear modifications – Shoes that force one or more toes into a bent position should be avoided. This includes tight, small shoes and most high heels. Instead, shoes with spacious toe boxes that easily accommodate all five toes without crowding should be used.
3. Use of orthotics – In addition to stretching and strengthening exercises, orthotic devices can help correct muscular imbalances (and prevent new ones) by adjusting the foot and toes while wearing shoes.
4. Splinting – Splints or tape can assist in straightening the afflicted toe and keep it from bending further.

What if conservative treatments don’t work?
In some cases, nonsurgical treatments may not work – especially for more severe cases of hammertoe where the affected toe is no longer flexible. If symptoms do not improve after pursuing conservative treatment options, your doctor may recommend a surgical treatment.

Surgery should only be used as a last resort. However, it may be the only option if your toe is too inflexible to move or you cannot control your pain with better-fitting shoes, orthotics, or cushioning.

When your toe is still flexible, your foot pain doctor may be able to reroute the tendons and return the joint to its proper position. If your toe is stiff and immobile, joint excision and bone fusion are frequently the best surgical options.

If you suspect you have a hammertoe, do not delay to seek treatment. If you have any questions, please contact the podiatrist.