Hammer toe can be hereditary or secondary to a hallux valgus condition (bunions) or ill-fitting shoes. Hallus valgus often causes the first toe to crowd the second, usually causing changes in the adjacent toe, often resulting in a hammer deformity. Recognition and treatment of this condition must come at a young age to prevent permanent deformity. Even if you have hammer toes many things can still be done to reduce the pain and irritation once the deformity is present.
Step 1
Photograph the toes that are deformed. Use these photos to document movement of the bones and compare with pictures of hammer toe to verify this condition. Hammer toe most commonly effects the second toe and can sometimes be on both feet. Calluses or blisters will be present on the "knuckle" on top of the toe and on the padded part under it.
Step 2
Address secondary issues. If you have bunions or hallux valgus, treat these conditions at the same time. Check your shoe size. A too-narrow toe box will compress the toes together. One that is too short will make the toes bend up. Heels will be also irritated.
Step 3
Purchase a night splint. Or if you have athletic tape at home, tape over the dorsal prominence of all the toes ("knuckles" of the toes) as well as under the adjacent toes to help pull the toe down and straight. Sleep with the tape on all night.
Step 4
Stretch toe flexors and extensors by fully pointing and extending the foot. Work the muscles by spreading the toes apart and then relaxing them.
Step 5
Massage your feet and move all the joints around. You can do this by gently distracting, flexing and extending your toe joints. When distracting pull at the same angle the toe is pointing. Ask another person to do this if you are unable.
Step 6
Cover current blisters or calluses with mole skin when wearing shoes. This helps protect and pad the skin to prevent further irritation. Mole skin can be purchased at a grocery store where the foot insoles are sold.
Step 7
When your toes become painful, practice RICE principles. Rest your feet, ice the toe for five minutes at a time, or until numb, compress your toes and feet with an ace bandage or compression socks and elevate the foot higher than your heart.
Step 8
Photograph again after two to four weeks and compare pictures. Ask yourself, do the calluses/blisters look smaller? Does the toe look more like the ones next to it, or is it getting worse?
Step 9
Make an appointment with your doctor if no improvement is noticed.
Tips and Warnings
- Many sport shoe companies can evaluate your gait and find a proper fitting shoe for you. Acrylic socks are best to wear over calluses and blisters. The earlier this is recognized and treated, the more likely the deformity can be minimized. Physical therapists and chiropractors have equipment that can also ease the pain of these foot conditions.
- This condition requires constant care and monitoring some cases are surgical, do not hesitate to contact a doctor if pain persists. Very often this condition is secondary to hallux valgus, it is important to treat this issue as well.
Things You'll Need
- Camera
- Night Splint
- Athletic tape
- Mole skin
- Ice
References
- "Quick Reference Clinical Chiropractic Conditions Manual," Nikita Vizniak and Michael Carnes, 2004.
