What is the Best Treatment for Hammer Toe?

Ways to Treat Hammer Toe at Home

The most appropriate treatment for hammer toes depends on the severity of the condition and whether the involved toe is flexible. Conservative treatment, such as relaxed shoes, padding pads and specific exercises, is usually adequate to relieve the pain. However, surgical realignment may be required in case the conservative interventions fail.

Thus, it is crucial to understand the effective treatments that help manage hammer toe and its recovery process after surgery. Keep reading to learn more about hammer toe treatments.

What are Hammer Toes?

Hammertoes develop when the toes' joints begin to curl in a way that is different from the standard and point towards the top instead of flat. It's one of the most prevalent conditions of the foot. These changes cause your toes to curl permanently.

Hammertoe typically affects the second joint in your lesser toes (not the big toe), where the end points downward and the middle part arches upward. Early hammertoes do not restrict walking, but if left untreated, the toe remains in a curled position. A curved "V" or a hammer shape may produce more advanced hammertoes.

What are the Treatments for Hammer Toe?

Your podiatrist may suggest treatments that reduce pressure on your toes and allow them to straighten out. Some of the most typical treatment options are:

• Changing Your Footwear: Wearing shoes with a spacious and deep toe box can alleviate pressure on your toes. Shoe stretchers may also help expand shoes you already own.
• Taping and Pads: Padding the area with over-the-counter toe pads can help cushion the space and relieve pressure. Medical tape can also be used for alignment support.
• Orthotic Inserts: Custom or over-the-counter orthotics provide support and help maintain toe position. In some cases, a toe spacer may be added between affected toes.
• Pain Relief Drugs: NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) reduce swelling and pain. Do not take NSAIDs for more than 10 consecutive days without consulting a physician.
• Exercises and Toe Stretching: Your podiatrist can prescribe exercises or stretches to improve mobility and alignment.
• Surgical Correction: Surgery may be an option if symptoms persist despite conservative treatment or walking becomes painful. Your podiatrist will explain the surgery and outline the recovery process.

How to Fix Hammer Toe Without Surgery?

If you have a hammer toe, you may wonder if surgery is your only option. Fortunately, there are many effective non-surgical treatments to correct or manage the conditions, such as:

1. Physical Therapy: Specific exercises and stretching can correct muscle imbalances that cause hammertoe.
2. Changing Shoes: Avoid curling or twisting shoes for the toes. These are pointed, constricting shoes and the majority of high heels. Instead, wear shoes with a broad toe box that permits all toes to sleep in their natural state.
3. Orthotics: Orthotic appliances not only correct the feet and toes but also stop muscle imbalances from worsening.
4. Splinting the Toe: Taping or splinting the toe can help it return to its proper alignment and discourage further curling.

Hammer toes develop when forced pressure causes your toes to bend, usually due to shoes that don't fit properly. They can become stiff and painful over time.

What is the Recovery Process Following Hammer Toe Surgery?

Recovery after surgery for a hammer toe may take a few weeks, depending on the type of surgery. You may be provided with a special shoe to assist you in balancing while walking. Crutches or a walker may also be needed in some instances.

During the first couple of weeks, it's important to keep your foot elevated as much as possible. This helps reduce pressure on the toe and supports recovery. Swelling is normal and may persist for several months—sometimes up to a year—but pain usually reduces quickly after the operation.

If pins or screws were used to hold the toe in place, your doctor may remove them a few weeks after surgery. If you've had your right foot surgery, you should stay away from driving for some weeks.

Always adhere to your physician's instructions on driving and bodily exercise. Also, do not submerge your foot in water until the hardware or pins inserted into your body during surgery are removed.

What are the Possible Complications of a Hammer Toe?

As with any surgical procedure, there are some potential risks and complications. Listed below are the complications of a hammer toe:

• Infection
• Nerve damage
• Blood clots
• Adverse effects from anesthetic

In the case of hammer toe surgery, there's a slight chance the toe could curl again later, though this is rare. In even fewer cases, the bones may not heal properly after fusion surgery.

If there is frequent pain in the foot or an alteration in the shape of the toe, it is essential to consult a doctor promptly. A medical insurance policy also protects your finances in medical emergencies.

At Star Health, we provide extensive coverage for various diseases and their treatments under our general insurance policies. We also offer hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.

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