Hammertoe

Prevention

Most cases of hammertoe can be prevented by wearing shoes that fit properly and give the toes plenty of room. Some recommended guidelines include:

• Avoid shoes with pointed or narrow toes.

• Avoid shoes that are too tight or short.

• Avoid high-heeled shoes, which can force the toes forward.

• If the shoes hurt, don't wear them.

• Choose shoes with wide or boxy toes.

• Choose shoes that are a half-inch longer than your longest toe.

If you notice the beginning signs of hammertoe, you may be able to prevent the tendons from tightening by wearing toe-friendly shoes, by flattening your toes regularly, and by soaking your feet every day in warm water, then stretching your toes and ankles toward the sole of your foot.

Foot exercises also can help to maintain or restore the flexibility of the tendons. One simple exercise is to place a small towel on the floor and then pick it up using only your toes. You also can grasp at carpet with your toes or curl your toes up and down repeatedly.

Treatment

Treating hammertoe involves straightening the toe, making tendons in the toes flexible again, and preventing the problem from returning. Some simple treatments include:

• Splinting the toe to keep it straight and to stretch the tendons of the foot

• Using over-the-counter pads, cushions or straps to decrease discomfort

• Exercising the toes to relax the foot tendons (a session with a physical therapist may help you get started with foot exercises)

• Wearing shoes that fit properly and allow toes plenty of room to stretch out

In advanced cases in which the toe has become stiff and permanently bent, the toe can be straightened with surgery. One type of surgery involves removing a small section of the toe bone to allow the toe to lie flat. Surgery for hammertoe usually is classified as a cosmetic procedure. Cosmetic foot surgeries sometimes result in complications such as pain or numbness, so it's better to treat the problem with a shoe that fits properly.