Hammertoes can be an unpleasant foot condition that makes it difficult to wear shoes or even walk without pain. A muscle imbalance between the tendons on the top and the tendons on the bottom of the toes causes the condition. It forces the second, third or fourth toes of the foot into a permanently bent position, making them appear like hammers. Aside from discomfort, hammertoes may cause corns on the tops of the toes due to rubbing against shoes. If left untreated, the condition may progress from a flexible bend into a rigid toe deformity. Performing a few simple foot exercises can strengthen and stretch the toe muscles to help correct the problem.
Massage
Massage can be an effective way to loosen the cramped muscles causing hammertoes. Gently massage the afflicted toes, stretching them back and forth to work the muscles and promote flexibility. Continue to manually manipulate the toes until range of motion returns and the toes regain a more natural position.
Pick Up
Wearing improper footwear with inadequate toe room can bunch the toes, helping lead to the muscle imbalance behind hammertoes. Using your feet to pick up small items from the floor can help regain toe dexterity and strengthen the muscles and tendons of the foot. Sit in a chair and scatter some dice, small rubber balls or other similar items on the ground in front of you. Practice picking up the items with your feet while watching TV or reading a book, allowing you to maximize your time and treat the hammertoes.
Towel Crunch
Similar to picking up small objects, this exercise involves scrunching a towel with your feet. Sit in a chair and place a towel on the floor in front of you. Now crumple the towel over and over again with your toes, gripping and releasing. This exercise can also be performed while doing something else.
Calf Stretches
Stretching the calf muscles can help treat a number of foot ailments, including hammertoes, the Podiatry Network says. A standard runner's stretch works fine. Place both of your palms on a wall and lean forward. While stepping forward with a bent right leg, extend the left leg straight behind you and press the heel toward the floor. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds and then repeat with the other leg. Perform at least three stretches with each leg. Another good calf stretch involves standing about two feet from a wall with your toes turned inward in a pigeon-toed stance. Now lean forward into the wall, keeping your knees straight and your heels on the floor. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds and repeat up to 10 times.
