Stretches for Hammertoes

No matter the condition, if we can treat it without needing to perform surgery, we will. Now, in the case of progressive conditions—hammertoes, bunions—the only way to correct the abnormal positioning of the toe is through surgical procedures. The good news is that some cases can be effectively managed with conservative care, especially when initiated at an early stage in the deformity.

Conservative treatment options vary, but can include things like changes in footwear, orthotic devices, and stretches for hammertoes. Let’s take a look today at exercises you can do to relieve pain from tight tendons and halt the progression of the condition. Some we may recommend you try are:

• Sit on the floor with your legs straight out and a towel looped around your toes. Pull back gently and hold 20 seconds. Repeat 3 times, then change feet. To do this while sitting on a chair, put one foot on the other thigh and use your hand to pull back gently and release the tension in your toes.
• While seated, try picking up objects like marbles with your toes and releasing them into a container.
• Now lay a towel down with the edge under your toes and use them to pull it back under your feet.
• Next, point your big toes down while lifting the others up and lightly tap (not hammer!) the floor with them a dozen times. Relax, then lift the great toes and lower the others, tapping the floor with them a dozen times.
• Still seated, put one foot on your thigh and thread your fingers between the toes. Try to squeeze them together (pinching your fingers) and relax 10 times, and then repeat with the other foot.
• Now stand on a flat surface and lift the fronts of your toes off the floor. Roll them down onto the floor again from littlest to biggest, as you would drum your fingers on a table top.

These stretches can get you started on your quest to loosen up tight toes and keep them flexible (possibly even eliminating the need for surgical intervention), but your best course of action is to come see us. Have our foot specialists at Premier Podiatry Group have a look at the affected toes. We can determine the cause for the abnormal bending and create a treatment plan to address your unique case. Call us in Ebensburg, PA by calling (814) 472-2660, or contact us online today.