If you have just received a diagnosis of hammer toe or a similar foot-related condition you might have a lot of questions. It is important to remember that this is a condition that can be successfully treated; it is possible to return to a normal life and regular activity levels after this treatment. By working closely with your doctor throughout your treatment and by following your provider’s instructions closely you will be giving yourself the best shot at making a full recovery from this and other toe deformities.
While surgery is an option for correcting hammer toe, it is not necessary the first, nor the only, form of treatment. You will likely encounter a number of non-surgical treatments and methods of symptom management. These are some of the most common.
Initial Stages of Treatment
A patient is likely to begin receiving hammertoe treatment soon after the diagnosis has been rendered. The first step towards correcting this problem is to evaluate the patient’s footwear options.
Your doctor may recommend changing shoes at this point. You will need to wear shoes that :
- Provide adequate room around the toes
- Give solid arch support
- Have a minimal heel
- Provide full-foot support for walking, standing, and running
- Are the correct size
- Are appropriate for the activities engaged in
An initial investment in new footwear may be necessary though your doctor may suggest ways to adapt your existing shoe selection to better support your foot health. Using orthotic insoles, moleskin patches, pads, or other items to support and cushion your feet can provide relief from hammer toe symptoms.
Symptom Management
Correcting any problems with your shoes is the first step towards managing hammer toe; changing your shoes or modifying how they are worn can help prevent the condition from progressing. Managing the current symptoms, particularly pain and the appearance of the toe, will also be addressed early on in your treatment.
Your doctor may recommend that you take a non-prescription pain reliever such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Each package will have instructions about the dose size appropriate for you and guidelines regarding frequency of use; follow these instructions or any others your doctor has given. This will help relieve pain.
Taping the affected toe can help orient it into a more natural position. The hammer toe is taped to an adjacent, non-hammer, toe using a strip of flexible medical tape. This may also provide comfort throughout the day.
There are some stretching and strengthening exercises that can be done to keep the joints in your toes flexible and healthy. A physical therapist, doctor, or nurse can teach these to you. Do them only as frequently as your health care provider recommends. A physical therapist or other health care provider may also help you modify common activities in order to support the health of your feet.
