Non-Surgical Treatment Options and Tips
Understanding the difference between the three types of toe conditions
What is a hammertoe?
It is a painful deformity that causes the middle of a toe to bend upwards, thus resulting in a shape that looks like a "hammer".
What is a claw toe?
Claw toes, as the name implies, are toes bent into an abnormal claw-like shape
What is a mallet toe?
A mallet toe refers to an upward bend at the toe joint. It may cause the toe to look curled instead of flat.
These conditions can occur when the muscles in the toes get out of balance and no longer work together. This imbalance causes a lot of pressure on the toe's tendons and joints, which in turn force the toe into an unnatural shape.
There are three main reasons why the muscles in the toes become imbalanced:
1) Genes: unfortunately, you can inherit a slightly unstable foot such as a flat foot or a high arched foot. Both can cause the development of a hammer, mallet or claw toes.
2) Arthritis
3) Injury: the main cause is the wear of ill-fitting shoes, such as too pointy, too tight, or too short. A good proportion of women suffer from toe conditions due to their tendency to wear high-heeled pointy-toed shoes, which put an awful amount of pressure on the toes.
Non-surgical treatment options, include:
1) Using a Toe Crest that fits under the toes may help to reduce the pressure & pain.
2) Wear Orthopedic Footwear that have an upper made with stretch material, wider widths and deeper toe box to accommodate the foot's shape.
3) Do Foot Exercise. Specific exercises for the toes help to keep them supple and strengthen the muscles that move them. Exercises like curling the toes, splaying the toes individually may help prevent the digital contracture that causes these toe conditions.
Here are top recommended toe products and orthopedic footwear for treating these conditions:
HAMMERTOE CREST (GS3012)
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Reduces pressure and pain caused by hammer, claw and mallet toes.
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The anatomical shape fits under the toes reducing stress on the tips of the toes and metatarsal shaft.
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Walking is made easier and more comfortable.
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Made of quality foam and soft suede.
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One per pack
GEL TOE CRESTS (GS3013)
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Comfortable gel exudes medical-grade mineral oil to soothe the skin on contact
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Flexible toe loop easily fits over toe to stay in place
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Washable, durable and non-allergenic
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Will not bottom out like foams
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Two per pack.
BUDIN TOE SPLINT ONE LOOP (GS3014)
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Provides alignement control and relief to hammer toes.
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The soft durable pad cushions and protects the ball of foot area.
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One size fits all.
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1 per pack
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A cotton adjustable loop slips over the problem toe and holds it in proper position
BUDIN TOE SPLINT TWO LOOPS (GS3015)
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Aligns crooked and overlapping toes.
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Provides alignment control and relief to the two adjacent hammer toes.
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The soft durable pad cushions and protects the ball of foot
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One size fits all.
GEL CORN PAD/TOE SHIELDS (GS3016)
- Traditional product for protecting toes or fingers
- Flexible fabric coated one-half with soft gel
- Gel design for maximum coverage
- Helps relieve pain from corns, blisters, hammer toes, calluses and other digital injuries
- Medical-grade mineral oil releases comfortably on contact with the skin to soften corns and calluses
- Washable and reusable
ALL GEL TOE-FINGER PAD (GS3075)
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Relieves pressure and friction on toes and fingers
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Vitamin enriched gel softens, soothes and protects fingers and toes
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Superior cushioning, protection and relief for corns, calluses, nails and cuticles, hammer toes and partially amputated digits
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Comfort Vent for breathability
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Superior durability and recovery compared to foam products
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Washable and reusable
POPULAR ORTHOPEDIC FOOTWEAR OPTIONS FOR TREATING TOE CONDITIONS!
PODOWELL ALVINE
PODOWELL ALADIN
PEDORS STRETCH WALKER
PEDORS CLASSIC
CASEY HOOK & LOOP UNISEX - BY OASIS
(Limited Quanties)
