Hammertoes are one of the most common forefoot deformities, and while it may sound like a quirky nickname, if you have hammertoes, you know it’s no laughing matter. They can cause pain, limit mobility, and make it hard to find comfortable shoes.
At Vascular Surgery Associates, we often hear from patients wondering if custom orthotics can fix hammertoe. The short answer is that orthotics can help manage symptoms and slow the progression, but they can’t reverse the deformity once it progresses beyond a certain point.
Let’s take a closer look at what hammertoe is, how it develops, and where custom orthotics fit into your treatment options.
Hammertoe happens when the middle joint of one of your smaller toes (usually the second, third, or fourth toe) bends abnormally downward, making the toe look like a hammer. Over time, the bent joint can become stiff and painful.
Common causes include:
Hammertoe starts as flexible (where you can still straighten the toe manually) but may eventually become rigid (where the joint gets fixed in a bent position). The earlier you address hammertoe, the better your chances of avoiding surgery for it.
Custom orthotics are inserts made to fit your unique foot shape and walking pattern. They aren’t the same as the generic insoles you can buy at the store — custom orthotics are tailored devices that improve foot alignment, redistribute weight, and reduce strain on muscles and joints.
For hammertoe, custom orthotics can:
By cushioning the ball of your foot and toes, custom orthotics reduce pain, friction, or rubbing against shoes.
Orthotics help correct underlying biomechanical issues, such as flat feet, high arches, and overpronation, that contribute to this condition.
In flexible hammertoe, orthotics can stop the deformity from worsening or at least slow its progression.
Less pain means you can walk more easily and stay active.
While orthotics are excellent for symptom relief and prevention, they can’t straighten a toe that’s already rigidly bent. Once a hammertoe becomes fixed, nonsurgical treatments can’t physically unbend the joint.
However, even in advanced cases, orthotics play an important role. They protect the affected toe from pressure sores, reduce callus formation, and help overall foot comfort before or after surgical correction.
If your hammertoe is still flexible, combining orthotics with other measures may give you the best results. Examples we might recommend include:
Wear shoes with a roomy toe box, low heels, and good arch support.
Stretching and strengthening the muscles in your toes can help maintain your flexibility.
Protective pads or toe sleeves can reduce friction and pressure points.
Over-the-counter medicines may help with pain and swelling.
If you have a rigid hammertoe or severe pain that doesn’t improve with conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary. Surgical correction can involve releasing or lengthening tendons, removing part of the bone, or fusing the joint to straighten the toe.
We carefully assess your foot structure, activity level, and symptoms to recommend the best approach, whether that’s continuing with orthotics or considering surgical correction.
As a vascular care practice, we pay special attention to blood flow in your feet. Poor circulation slows healing and increases the risk of complications from hammertoe, especially if you have conditions like diabetes or peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
If circulation problems are present, we address them along with your hammertoe treatment. Good blood flow provides better healing, better comfort, and fewer long-term issues.
If you think you might have hammertoe, don’t wait for it to get worse. Early treatment is key, and custom orthotics are an effective, noninvasive tool for relief and prevention.
While custom orthotics won’t cure hammertoe, they can help you walk more comfortably, slow the condition’s progression, and support your overall foot health. Call our podiatry team today to arrange a custom orthotics assessment or use the online form to get in touch for an appointment at one of our Maryland or Delaware offices.
