Both unsightly and painful, hammertoes are no walk in the park. The problem, in severe cases, is repaired with surgery. In many milder cases, stretches, shoe inserts and a change in your footwear may be prescribed or recommended. There are also products on the market designed to give you relief from hammertoes. YogaToes is one of these.
Hammertoe
According to MayoClinic.com, a hammertoe is a condition in which the toe curls because the middle joint has become bent. This unnatural bend is often caused by footwear that is too tight or by high heels that put pressure on the front of your feet. The bend results in an unnatural claw or hammer-like look. The condition may cause pain during walking and when you make an effort to move the toe.
YogaToes
YogaToes are gelatinous toe separators made by Yoga Pro. They are advertised to ease the pain of hammertoes as well as aid in a number of other foot woes, according to the manufacturer's website. Recommended usage is to wear them daily, starting with 10 minutes per day and working up to longer periods. The product is designed to stretch the toes and move them away from the balls of the feet and from each other. The website claims the device makes toes stronger and more flexible over time.
Results From Use of Yoga Toes
A review of the YogaToes by MSNBC noted that the item was extremely easy to use and very relaxing for painful feet. The reviewer did not see improvement in her foot issues after several weeks of use, though she enjoyed using YogaToes and would continue using the product. The article quotes Dr. Carol Frey, assistant clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at UCLA, as saying that she likes YogaToes and that they are useful for strengthening the feet. She often uses them on her patients after surgery. The doctor also noted YogaToes can be used chilled or warmed, depending on the temperature needed for different injuries or the patient's preference.
Precautions
Products such as YogaToes are not a solution for those with serious pain or deformities of the foot. Speak to an orthodontist about your foot problems and ask if YogaToes may be a good complementary therapy for your hammertoe. Hammertoe is a serious condition, and you should always seek the advice of a medical professional before trying new therapies.
