Hammer Toes
Natural Treatment for Hammer Toes
Resolving Hammer Toe pain can be quick and easy and not involve treating the toes.
HAMMER TOES
Explanation and symptoms
Hammer toes are a common foot deformity where one or more of the small toes bend or curl downward at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. This condition can affect any of the smaller toes (not the big toe) and is typically a result of muscle and ligament imbalances. The toes have 3 joints and the “hammer” occurs at the middle one. The big toe, has 2 joints and there can be a “hammered” look there, however, it is termed a flexion contracture of the interphalangeal joint (IP join).
Causes of Hammertoes:
- Muscle and Ligament Imbalance: Hammer toes are often caused by an imbalance between the muscles and tendons that control the toe. This can be due to balance deficits, underlying medical conditions, and abnormal forces acting on the foot that cause the smaller toes to grip.
- Foot Structure: Certain foot shapes, such as a high arch or a second toe longer than the big toe, can make a person more prone to developing hammer toes.
Symptoms of Hammer Toes:
- Toe Deformity: The affected toe or toes bend or curl downward at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like appearance.
- Pain and Discomfort: Hammer toes can be painful, especially when walking or wearing shoes that put pressure on the affected toes.
- Corns and Calluses: The abnormal toe position can cause friction and rubbing against footwear, leading to the formation of corns and calluses.
- Reduced Mobility: In severe cases, the bent toe may become rigid and difficult to straighten, reducing overall toe mobility.
Common Complications of Hammer Toes:
- Progression of Deformity: Without intervention, hammer toes can worsen over time, becoming more rigid and painful.
- Corns and Calluses: Continued friction between the bent toes and footwear can lead to the formation of corns and calluses.
- Ulcers: In severe cases, chronic pressure and rubbing can cause skin breakdown, leading to ulcers.
- Reduced Foot Function: Advanced hammer toes may restrict foot function and mobility, affecting the ability to walk comfortably.
Traditional Treatment For Hammer Toes
The goal of the Traditional Treatment Model is relieving symptoms.
Footwear Modification
Toe Exercises
Orthotics Devices
Padding
Footwear Modification
Splinting or Taping
Medication
Surgery
Footwear Modification
- Footwear Modification: Wearing shoes with a wide, deep toe box can alleviate pressure on the toes and reduce friction. Avoiding high heels and narrow, pointy shoes is essential.
- Toe Exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises for the toes can help improve muscle balance and flexibility.
- Orthotic Devices: Custom or over-the-counter orthotic insoles may provide support and cushioning for the toes, reducing pain and discomfort.
- Padding: Cushioning or padding may be used to protect the toes and reduce friction.
- Splinting or Taping: In some cases, splints or tape may be used to help straighten the toe.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Surgery: Failure rate of surgery at 6-12 months post operatively was 13.5% for older patients and 10.5% for younger ones. There are a variety of surgical procedures that can be done on hammer toes.
Comprehensive Natural Hammer Toe Treatment
Comprehensive Treatment of Hammer Toes
Using Functional Diagnostic Evaluation and The Walker Treatment Method™, the same techniques that I teach Podiatrists, Physical Therapists, and Pedothists internationally, we identify your unique causative circumstances and create a comprehensive treatment program.
Functional Diagnostic Evaluation allows of the identification of connective tissue and other restrictions which are causing interference to the health and integrity of the foot such as; misalignment, decreased circulation, and abnormal force absorption.
The Walker Treatment Method™
- Decreases pain by offsetting the forces on the joint and with non-prescriptive modalities.
- Corrects abnormal forces using manual therapy, taping/bracing, specific rebalancing exercises.
- Stabilizes the painful areas by addressing inflammation, strengthening, & taping.
- Using Functional Diagnostic Evaluation and The Walker Treatment Method™, we pinpoint the specific factors contributing to your unique situation and developing a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses every aspect.
When there is flexibility in the hammer toe, meaning that you can manually straighten it, they can be easily resolved naturally.
COMPARISION OF TRADITIONAL TREATMENT AND THE WALKER TREATMENT METHOD™
|
PAIN RELIEF | STABILIZE THE JOINT | CHANGE THE FORCES | PREVENTION FROM FUTURE PROBLEMS | ADDRESSES THE ROOT CAUSE | SUCCESS/SATISFACTION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOOTWEAR | indirectly | no | yes | no | no | temporary |
| INJECTION/NSAID | possibly | no | no | no | no | temporary |
| ORTHOTICS | indirectly | no | yes | no | no | average 47% |
| TAPING | possibly | yes | yes | no | no | temporary |
| PHYSICAL THERAPY** | possibly | possibly | possibly | possibly | possibly | varies |
| CHEILECTOMY | possibly | no | no | no | no | average 77% |
| FUSION | usually | yes | no | no | no | average 90% |
| JOINT REPLACEMENT | possibly | no | no | no | no | average 85% |
| WALKER METHOD* | indirectly | yes | yes | yes | yes | so far 98% |
**Physical therapy: Results will vary based upon the therapist’s experience. As a patient it is important to inquire the level of experience and success of any professional that you are seeking for help.
*Data is base upon post intervention survey report after program completion.
If you are aligned to treating your Hammer Toes in a wholistic, comprehensive way here’s how:
The best time to resolve Hammer Toes naturally without medication, and costly orthotics is when you first experience symptoms.
The second-best time is now.
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Schedule a special $79 no BS actionable strategy evaluation.
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References:
- Surgical Complication Rate: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29444584/
- Risk Factors and Surgical Outcomes: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8702909/
- Hammer Toes Surgeries: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559268/
Who is DL Walker, BS., MS., Ed, PT?
Deborah L Walker Goetz, BS., MS., Ed, PT is the creator of unique, comprehensive programs, protocols and course work for organizations, professionals and the public.
As a diagnostic detective she works to identify the root cause of dysfunction that that triggers an the experience of disease, pain, and limitation. Working with clients, she creates a strategic plan of action that aligns with their unique circumstances and empowers them to get the results that they are seeking fast.
DL works both online and in person and offers a 30-minute strategic consultation to assist clients in their best next steps.
CLICK HERE to learn more.