5 Early Treatment Strategies that Can Correct a Flexible Hammertoe Deformity

Hammertoe is where one or more of your toes — usually the second, third, or fourth — bend involuntarily at a right angle, resembling the shape of a hammer. 

Not only is this deformity uncomfortable, but it also makes walking difficult and can lead to the development of corns due to friction against footwear. 

If you notice signs of hammertoe, it’s best to address them early, while the toe’s still flexible, and before the condition progresses. Our team at Dan Preece, DPM, and Darren Groberg, DPM, in Salt Lake City, a branch of Utah Musculoskeletal Specialists, diagnoses and treats hammertoe in all stages.

We start with conservative, noninvasive treatments before resorting to surgery. Here are five early strategies to help correct a flexible hammertoe deformity. 

1. Choose the right shoes 

Shoes can cause, prevent, and treat hammertoes, so choosing the right ones is in your best interest. 

Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes exacerbate hammertoes by forcing your toes into unnatural positions. Do your feet a favor and wear shoes with the following features:

• A roomy toe box to give toes enough space
• Soft and flexible materials that reduce pressure on joints
• Proper length — wear shoes at least half an inch longer than your longest toe

For more relief, switch to open-toed footwear like sandals in safe, non-strenuous environments, provided they don’t rub against other areas of your foot. 

2. Use orthotics or toe pads 

Orthotics and toe pads provide essential support to alleviate pressure and pain caused by hammertoes. Here are some options to consider:

• Custom orthotics: molded to your feet; help redistribute pressure evenly
• Toe pads or cushions: OTC gel pads or corn cushions reduce friction
• Toe braces: devices that gently straighten the toe and protect it from further bending

We can help you determine which orthotic option is right for you, especially if you’re dealing with additional conditions like diabetes. 

3. Do toe exercises 

Stretching and strengthening exercises realign your muscles and restore balance to your toes. Here are some daily exercises for your toes:

1. Towel curls (scrunching a towel with your toes) to strengthen foot and toe muscles 
2. Toe stretches: use your hands to gently pull your toes backward and forward 
3. Item picking: practice picking up small objects, such as marbles, with your toes

These exercises increase your flexibility and prevent your hammertoe from worsening. 

4. Wear padding or extra-thick socks 

If you develop corns or calluses due to hammertoe, adding extra padding can ease the friction and discomfort. Here’s what to do:

• Use non-medicated pads to shield corns and calluses from rubbing against your shoes. 
• Wear thick socks to add another layer of protection on long walks or standing activities 

Padding alone provides temporary relief, but it won’t cure hammertoe. Combine padding with other strategies that address the root of the deformity. 

5. Change up your activities to relieve foot pressure 

Certain activities, particularly those involving high-impact movements, can make hammertoe worse. Adjust your routine to reduce strain on your feet:

• Avoid prolonged periods of standing or walking without breaks
• Swap high-impact exercises (running) for low-impact alternatives (swimming or cycling)
• Maintain a healthy weight to minimize daily foot pressure

Implementing these changes can ensure that your toes have more time and less stress to heal with conservative treatments. 

When is surgery necessary? 

If your hammertoe becomes rigid and these early measures fail to relieve symptoms, surgery may be the next step. 

Procedures range from tendon lengthening to joint fusion, depending on the severity of your deformity. Surgical treatments are effective but require recovery time and are generally recommended as a last resort. 

Drs. Dan Preece, Darren Groberg, and Christian Smith specialize in these advanced surgical solutions, so you can rest assured your feet are in good hands. 

If you’re experiencing discomfort due to hammertoe, schedule a consultation with our board-certified podiatrists at Utah Musculoskeletal Specialists for expert advice on the best treatment options.