Hammertoes is a condition in which the middle joint of a toe bends upward and the end of the toe points downward. This bending creates a hammer-like appearance and can cause significant pain and discomfort. Hammertoes are quite common, and they can be caused by a variety of factors such as wearing poorly-fitted shoes or genetics. If left untreated, hammertoes can lead to the development of corns and calluses, making it even more challenging to walk and carry out daily activities. In this blog post, we will talk about what causes hammertoes and how to straighten hammer toes naturally. We will also take a closer look at some of the Silipos products that can help you treat this condition.
What Causes Hammertoes?
Hammertoes are caused by an imbalance in the muscles responsible for straightening and flexing your toes. The condition may be caused by several factors, such as wearing tight and ill-fitting shoes, arthritis, and nerve or muscle damage. High heels, which often compress the toes, are considered one of the leading causes of hammertoes. Additionally, if your second toe is longer than your big toe, your chances of having hammertoes may be higher.
How Can I Straighten My Hammertoes Naturally?
Here are some natural ways to straighten your hammertoes and alleviate pain:
Toe Exercises: Gentle toe exercises, such as picking up marbles or a towel with your toes, can help strengthen and stretch your toe muscles.
Toe Stretches: Stretching your toes can help keep them flexible, relieving pain and stiffness. Try placing a towel or band around the ball of your foot and pulling your toes back towards your ankle.
Use a Hammer Toe Wedge: A gel hammer toe wedge can be an excellent option for treating hammertoes. It can help straighten your toes by comfortably positioning them in a more natural state when the wedge is placed under the toe. If you use the wedge between your toes, it can also be used as a separator to correct toe drift and overlapping toes. The Silipos Hammer Toe Wedge is designed to alleviate pain and is comfortable in any type of shoe, being made with soft gel.
Wear comfortable and supportive shoes: Wearing shoes with adequate arch support and a comfortable fit can minimize pressure on your toes, reducing the risk of hammertoes.
Silipos Products for Crooked Digits
In addition to the Hammer Toe Wedge, Silipos offers two other products that can alleviate pain and discomfort associated with hammertoes and crooked digits.
Antibacterial Digital Pads: Silipos Antibacterial Digital Pads can be used to protect and cushion the toes. These pads feature a specially formulated gel containing silver ions that aids in fighting against the growth of bacteria and helps soothe, while protecting the skin 360°. Antibacterial Digital Pads reduce friction between toes, soften the dermis, and provide nourishment to the skin. They also provide padding on the top of your toes, where it’s needed most.
Felt Hammer Toe Crest: The Silipos® Felt Hammer Toe Crest is anatomically designed to reduce pressure that is placed on the toes and metatarsals. It also helps alleviate any pain caused by hammer, claw, and mallet toes. The elastic toe loops are simple to modify, making the crest easy to adjust for several shoe types and ensuring comfort while walking.
In conclusion, if you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or deformities in your toes, make sure you don’t leave it and let it worsen. The good news is that most cases of hammertoes can be managed conservatively with proper care and natural methods. Try some of the exercises and stretches mentioned in this post and see how they work for relieving pressure. If your pain is severe or chronic beyond the suggestions here, be sure to always talk to your doctor or podiatrist about your options.
If you have any questions about our hammertoe products, feel free to give us a call at 1 (800) 229-4404 and we’d be happy to help!
