Your doctor or physical therapist may be able to suggest more exercises. Exercises that help keep the toe joints flexible and strong, such as the ones listed below.These hold toes in a normal position, much like taping does. But it doesn't straighten the toe permanently. This gently forces the hammer toe into a normal position. Wrap tape under the big toe (or the toe next to the hammer toe), then over the hammer toe, and then under the next toe. If your toe joint is flexible, you can also try:
Read and follow all instructions on the label. Check with your doctor before taking these medicines. Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen.Never cut corns or calluses, because this can lead to infection. Moleskin and other over-the-counter treatments may help relieve pain. Care for any calluses or corns on your feet.These are better for treating a flexible toe, but they can also provide some relief for a fixed toe. Use products that cushion the toe or hold the foot in a more comfortable position, such as moleskin, toe tubes, arch supports, or other shoe inserts (orthotics).You could also try custom-made shoes or shoes made for people who have foot problems. Sandals or athletic shoes that don't rub on your toe may be a good option. Choose shoes with roomy toe boxes, low heels, and good arch supports. If you start right away, you may be able to avoid surgery. You can probably treat your toe joint problem at home. If the doctor thinks you may need surgery to correct your problem, you may have tests, such as an X-ray, blood flow testing, or nerve testing. A joint that has some movement can sometimes be straightened without surgery. Any medical conditions you have that could be related, such as arthritis, diabetes, or poor blood flow (circulation).ĭuring the physical exam, your doctor will look at your foot to see if the toe joint is fixed or flexible.Any previous foot problems you have had.What kind of shoes you wear and how much time you spend standing or walking every day.When the problems started, what activities or shoes make them worse, and if other parts of the foot are painful.Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and past health and do a physical exam. In more severe cases, these toe problems may affect your balance and make it hard to walk. They may rub against your footwear and cause calluses or corns. Hammer, claw, and mallet toes may hurt and make it hard to find shoes that fit. Less often, these toe problems are linked with other conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, or an injury to the foot or ankle. Women are affected more often than men because they are more likely to wear shoes with narrow toes or high heels. These toe problems form over years and are common in adults. Over time, the toe muscles can't straighten the toe, even when you aren't wearing shoes. This makes it harder to straighten the toe. If a shoe forces a toe to stay in a bent position for too long, the muscles tighten and the tendons shorten, or contract. Wearing tight shoes can cause the toe muscles to get out of balance. Tight shoes are the most common cause of these toe problems. If you don't treat the problem right away, you are more likely to need surgery. You may be able to fix your toe with home treatment. If you notice that your toe looks odd or hurts, talk to your doctor. It often affects the second toe, but it may happen in the other toes too.
These toe problems almost always happen in the four smaller toes, not the big toe. They may look strange or may hurt, or both. Hammer, claw, and mallet toes are toes that are bent into an odd position. Conditions Basics What are hammer, claw, and mallet toes?