Hammer toes are a common foot deformity that can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty wearing shoes. Fortunately, there are a number of home remedies that can help to relieve the pain and improve the appearance of hammer toes.

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What are Hammer Toes?

Hammer toes are a deformity of the toes in which the toe bends downward at the middle joint. This can cause pain, pressure, and inflammation in the toe and can make it difficult to wear shoes. Hammer toes can develop in any toe, but they are most common in the second, third, and fourth toes.

What Causes Hammer Toes?

Hammer toes can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Wearing shoes that are too short or too narrow
• High heels
• Certain foot conditions, such as bunions or flat feet
• Trauma to the toe
• Nerve damage
• Genetics

Symptoms of Hammer Toes

The symptoms of hammer toes can vary depending on the severity of the deformity. Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the toe
• Swelling and inflammation
• Stiffness
• Difficulty wearing shoes
• Corns or calluses on the toe

Home Remedies for Hammer Toes

There are a number of home remedies that can help to relieve the pain and improve the appearance of hammer toes. These remedies include:

• Toe exercises. Toe exercises can help to strengthen the muscles around the toe and improve its flexibility. There are a number of different toe exercises that can be done, such as:
  • Toe curls. Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Curl your toes under and hold for a few seconds. Then, release your toes and straighten them. Repeat this exercise 10-15 times.
  • Toe raises. Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Lift your toes up off the floor and hold for a few seconds. Then, lower your toes back down. Repeat this exercise 10-15 times.
  • Toe spreads. Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Spread your toes apart as far as you can. Hold for a few seconds and then release. Repeat this exercise 10-15 times.
• Stretching. Stretching the muscles around the toe can help to improve flexibility and reduce pain. There are a number of different stretches that can be done, such as:
  • Calf stretch. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your right knee and place your right foot behind your left. Lean forward and bend your left knee until you feel a stretch in your right calf. Hold for 30 seconds and then release. Repeat this stretch with your left leg.
  • Hamstring stretch. Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Bend forward at the waist and reach your hands towards your toes. Hold for 30 seconds and then release. Repeat this stretch 3-5 times.
• Massage. Massaging the toe can help to improve circulation and reduce pain. To massage the toe, gently rub the toe in a circular motion. You can also use a massage cream or oil to help the massage glide more easily.
• Ice. Applying ice to the toe can help to reduce swelling and inflammation. To ice the toe, wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the toe for 15-20 minutes at a time. Repeat this every few hours as needed.
• Orthotics. Orthotics are devices that can be worn in shoes to help support the foot and correct hammer toes. There are a number of different types of orthotics available, including over-the-counter orthotics and custom-made orthotics.
• Surgery. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct hammer toes. Surgery involves cutting the tendons or ligaments that are causing the toe to bend.

Preventing Hammer Toes

There are a number of things that can be done to help prevent hammer toes, including:

• Wearing shoes that fit well. Shoes that are too short or too narrow can put pressure on the toes and cause them to bend.
• Avoiding high heels. High heels can put pressure on the toes and cause them to bend.
• Treating foot conditions. Certain foot conditions, such as bunions or flat feet, can increase the risk of developing hammer toes. Treating these conditions can help to prevent hammer toes from developing.

The Bottom Line

Hammer toes can be a painful and frustrating condition. However, there are a number of home remedies that can help to relieve the pain and improve the appearance of hammer toes. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from hammer toes, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

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How To Fix Hammer Toes At Home