Small toes are at risk for several toe deformities due to their size and the position of your feet. Hammertoes, a condition where one or more of the middle toes will start to bend downward at the middle joint, is one of the most common toe deformities.
Hammertoes are due to an imbalance and are exacerbated by wearing uncomfortable or tight-fitting shoes like high heels. If noticed early enough, hammertoes can be straightened without surgery—here’s how.
Exercise—towel scrunches and marble pick up exercises can help improve the strength and flexibility of your toes, as well as help straighten them out.
Wear shoes that fit—any time you get fitted for new shoes, you need to have your feet properly measured beforehand. Also, be sure to choose shoes with a wide toe box to give your toes extra room to move and wiggle inside––as well as fit an orthotic brace or inserts if necessary.
Support your arches—use proper arch supports, orthotic inserts, and braces to support your arches. Your podiatrist can help you accurately position and fit pads, orthotics, and braces to redistribute pressure to prevent corns, rubbing, and blistering.
In severe cases, if your hammertoe is badly bent, surgery may be required to straighten your toe.
If you’re experiencing disruptive, daily pain from hammertoes, our board-certified specialists are available to help you. Schedule an appointment with one of our foot specialists today.