An abnormal bend in the middle of your toes is a condition called hammertoe.The muscles, tendons, and joints in your toe have been affected by this.It can be caused by genetic reasons or by ill-fitting footwear.There are steps you can take to treat hammertoe.Apply ice to the area and wear comfortable shoes.If at- home treatments don't correct the issue, see a doctor.In rare cases, hammertoe needs to be operated on.Changing your footwear to prevent a repeat will be done in the future.
Step 1: Wear comfortable shoes.
You should adjust your footwear if you are suffering from hammertoe.It is possible that wearing ill-fitting shoes will make your hammertoe worse.Choose a shoe that is right for you.When you're suffering from hammertoe, don't wear shoes that are too big.A wide toe box can make shoes more comfortable.The shoes should have a soft interior.When you're suffering from hammertoe, don't wear high heels.
Step 2: Ice can be applied to a hammertoe.
Hammertoes may swell up.An ice pack can help if this is the case.An ice pack should be applied to your toe a few times a day.If you don't have a commercial ice pack, you can place ice cubes in a plastic bag to treat hammertoe or use a bag of frozen vegetables.Do not apply ice to your toe.Wrap it in a towel and place it over your foot.
Step 3: There is a hammertoe pad.
The drug store sells a hammertoe pad.You would put a pad in your shoe.The pad is designed to support and relieve the pain of the affected toe.Follow the instructions on the package.You need a non-medicated pad.You don't want to use medication on your toe without consulting a doctor.
Step 4: Do not use over-the-counter corn removal products.
Hammertoes can develop callouses or corns.When you're suffering from hammertoe, it's best to avoid over-the-counter corn removal products.These products can cause foot irritation.
Step 5: Seek the advice of a doctor if you have a problem.
Many patients eventually require doctor's care, and hammertoe may clear up at home.If you notice blisters around your toe, seek medical treatment.
Step 6: You should make a doctor's appointment.
If your hammertoe doesn't clear up on its own, seek medical assistance.If you have a hammertoe, make an appointment with your doctor.Take a look at your symptoms before going to the doctor.You should be able to tell the doctor where the pain comes from and what activities make it worse.You should bring a list of your drugs.Mention your family history of hammertoe to your doctor.Your doctor will check out your foot.She will ask you questions about your symptoms.Your doctor will want to know what kind of physical activity you engage in and what shoes you wear.
Step 7: Follow instructions for foot exercise.
Your doctor will usually recommend a foot exercise program to treat the issue.Hammertoe is usually not serious enough to require surgery.Your doctor will give you an exercise regimen.A variety of exercises may be advised by your doctor.You may be asked to pick up marbles with your toe.Depending on your hammertoe, the type of exercises and how often you should do them can be different.You should get detailed instructions from your doctor.Before you leave the doctor's office, ask your doctor for clarification.
Step 8: If needed, have surgery.
Sometimes surgery is necessary to treat hammertoe.It is possible that your joints need to be straightened.hammertoe can be caused by joints that are fused together.Some bones may be removed and joints separated in this case.Major surgery is usually not the case with hammertoe surgery.Most patients will leave the hospital the same day.After surgery, your toe may be shorter.Discuss the recovery period with your doctor.
Step 9: The corns should be treated with pumice stones.
These can hurt hammertoes if you have corns on your feet.If you develop callouses on your toes, you can treat them with pumice stones.Most drugstores sell pumice stones.Before using pumice stones, take a warm bath or shower.When you get out of the shower, use your pumice stones to file your callouses.After using pumice stones, use an exfoliant.
Step 10: Wear shoes that are comfortable.
Reducing the reoccurrence of hammertoes is one of the most important ways to do so.Pick footwear for comfort if you're prone to hammertoes.Don't wear shoes that cause pain.Some shoes have toes.In order to treat hammertoe, these should be avoided.There are roomier toe boxes for shoes.It's best to have lower heels.If you want to adjust your shoes for comfort, you should get straps or laces.
Step 11: Don't buy shoes that do not fit.
You should never wear shoes that don't fit you for long hours, even if you like the style.In addition to causing hammertoe, ill-fitting shoes can cause other foot problems.If you don't know your shoe size, go to a shoe store and have a worker fit you.
Step 12: You should shop at the end of the day.
If you walk a lot during the day, it's a good idea to shop for shoes in the evening or late afternoon.It's important to choose a shoe size that will fit your feet for a full day.