You might be having a hammertoe in any of the following conditions.
- If your joint on one of the toes, normally the toe next to your big toe or your smallest toe, instead of lying flat points upwards
- When one of your toe muscles turns weak and puts pressure on your tendons of the toe and joints.
- When this pressure will force the toe to become distorted and also stick up at the joint.
- When there is frequently a callus or corn on top of your deformed toe.
All these outgrowths may cause hammer toe pain when it is going to rub against your shoe.
What causes hammertoe?
Your toe joints become malformed if you have hammertoe or any of its near relative, mallet toe. Mallet toe impacts the first joint that is closest to your toenail, whereas hammertoe affects the middle joint.
A third ailment known as claw toe can also affect both of these joints. Your inner toes, rather than your large or little toes, typically develop these joint problems.
Joint abnormalities occur when the tendons, ligaments, and muscles that maintain the alignment of your toe joints are out of balance. This frequently causes the toe to be pulled up and to one side, giving rise to the distinctive hammertoe shape.
These soft tissue problems can result from an accident, such as a toe fracture, jam, or stubbing. In particular, if your toes cannot rest flat, wearing shoes that are too tight can cause a hammertoe. Additionally, having unbalanced toe muscles can disturb the regular joint alignment.
The following are a few tips to prevent your hammertoe.
1. Buy new shoes
New footwear is essential. To fit your toes comfortably, look for alternatives with a wide toe box. Also, it is obvious that you should not wear shoes with pointed or narrow toes, and that you must stick to two-inch heels or below.
A doctor may advise orthopedic footwear for patients with severe hammertoes in order to maintain comfort while adequately cushioning and supporting their feet and avoiding further issues.
2. Try orthotic inserts
Your shoes can accommodate orthotics. They function by releasing toe pressure, regaining muscular balance, and reducing inflammation.
3. Consider taping, splinting, or padding
A number of products that help straighten your toe and alleviate pain may be prescribed by doctors. Splinting, taping, and applying padding to help cushion your toe are some frequent examples of how to do this.
4. Avoid wearing narrow shoes
If you want to avoid hammer toes surgery, then you must start wearing sensible shoes. Obviously, there are different fashionable shoes available for both ladies and men.
Men’s shoes are cozy to wear, but women’s shoes frequently lack functionality. Often ladies’ shoes have narrow widths to offer them a sleek look.
For fashion, ladies generally force their feet into certain tiny, uncomfortable shoes. To encourage healthy feet, keep in mind that you must always prefer shoes with appropriate arch support and a wide toe box.
Always start out wearing appropriate shoes if you have hammer toes. You may discuss with any reputable podiatrist in case you are not sure how to select shoes.
5. Foot exercises
Though one of the best options to get rid of your condition can be to get a hammer toe surgery, however, podiatrists may often suggest certain efficient foot exercises can be practiced to remove your hammer toe, or prevent its development.
The weakening of toe muscles can be the main reason for hammer toes. Exercises that improve your toe muscles and maintain your feet flexible and active are recommended by podiatrists.
The following exercises can slow down the development of hammer toes:
- Toe-curling
- Toe extending
- Toe moving
- Toe spreading.
6. Using a pumice stone to clean
There may be a growth of corn or callus on the top of hammer toes, which could be uncomfortable while changing shoes. Top podiatrists advise cleaning the corn formation with something like a pumice stone or file after taking a warm bath. By doing this, the discomfort and the size of the corn will both decrease.
When all else fails then go for surgery
Always choose surgery as your final resort for treatment. However, if your toe is immobile or your pain cannot be controlled by better-fitting footwear, orthotics, or cushioning, it may be your only option.
