A variety of toe deformities can affect smaller toes leading to pain, discomfort, and additional problems like blisters and corns from rubbing on the inside of your footwear or another toe. The hammertoe deformity typically affects the middle toes, causing one or more to bend at the middle joint. The condition may be hereditary but can be exacerbated by wearing tight-fitting shoes.

4 of the treatments for hammertoes when they are still flexible may include the following:

• The right footwear—Wear shoes with a wide toe box give your hammertoes room to move without rubbing on your footwear. This also provides space for pads and orthotic inserts that are used to treat the hammertoes.
• Arch supports and orthotic shoe inserts—The correct arch supports and metatarsal lifts can be used under the base of the toes to realign the tendons that are contributing to the toe bending.
• Medication—Pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen may be used in moderation for pain and swelling. Steroids injected into painful joints may also provide relief, check with your foot doctor.
• Physical therapy exercises—Toe exercises like towel scrunches and marble pick up exercises will help to improve toe strength and flexibility. Your podiatrist will provide exercise guidance.

In cases where the toes are too rigid, surgery may be needed to straighten them out.

If you are experiencing pain and discomfort from a hammertoe, contact your foot doctor for the best care. Call Syracuse Podiatry located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Kathleen Pyatak-Hugar, and Dr. Donal M. Erickson and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.