Hammertoes have long plagued the human foot, causing pain and discomfort in shoes. Many people simply live with the pain, without attempting to seek relief, assuming this is the way their foot should feel. Surgery is very effective at relieving the pain of this condition. However, other options do exist for basic treatment at home that can likewise relieve the pain. This article will review some of the actions people can take on their own to relieve their painful hammertoes.

Hammertoes are a common foot deformity that involves curling of the toes upward. This condition is due to chronic changes in the mechanical structure of the foot when the arch is either too low or too high. Some people are born with contracted toes, while most with this condition slowly develop it over a lifetime. The end result of this condition is an abnormal position of the toes, with prominent joints on the top of the toes becoming irritated by the shoe material above. Thick corns can form as a result of this irritation from shoe pressure, and the toes can become painful as a result.

The most effective way to fix this problem is to have the toes straightened surgically. This procedure is generally very successful, and has a relatively short recovery period. However, not everyone can have foot surgery, as health issues and an inability to undergo the proper recovery period can prevent surgery from taking place. For those unable or unwilling to undergo surgery, there are numerous options to provide pain relief.

The most basic way to treat hammertoes is to simply stop wearing shoes that create pressure on the top of the toes. Shoes that are pointed, that have shallow toe room, or those that force the toes upward (such as high heels) are often the culprit in causing hammertoe pain. This is primarily an issue in women's fashion shoes, although some men's dress shoes are at fault as well. Converting to wider, deeper, and flatter shoes often goes a long way towards decreasing pain and improving shoe comfort. Obviously, this is easier said than done, as many people are hard set in their sense of fashion, or perceived need to maintain a professional appearance at work. However, there are many shoe manufacturers whose line includes very fashionable and formal shoes that are also better designed for overall foot fitting. One simply has to look a little harder to find these styles, and have a more open mind when it comes to their preferred shoe fit. The reward for this effort will often be a much more comfortable foot.

Another way to reduce the pain associated with hammertoes, especially if deeper shoes still do not alleviate the symptoms, is the use of padding. There have been multiple pad designs created over the years to reduce toe pressure. These range from simple doughnut-shaped felt or foam pads, to more elaborate medicated pads designed to remove corn tissue. Unfortunately, medicated pads often contribute to a worsening of the pain as the acids used in the 'medication' can irritate the surrounding 'normal' skin when too widely applied. This author does not recommend their use. One of the most effective types of padding uses a material called silicone gel to provide pressure reduction and soothing comfort to the skin. While the gel pads are available as an adhesive ring or dot, the easiest and most durable form comes in the shape of an elastic tube that has a layer of gel underneath it. These tubes are either pre-cut, or available as a longer tube that can be cut to fit. The tubes fit over the toe, with the gel against the top of the toe. These products stay in place, are durable and washable, and are comfortable. The only issue that can arise with their use could be too much toe compression if one has very swollen feet and toes, which could lead to toe circulatory issues or skin wounds.

Yet another technique one can employ to keep hammertoes from hurting is to use medical or athletic tape to hold the toe down in a straightened position. This technique involves using a quarter inch wide strip of tape (the tape needs to be cut to this width as the smallest size sold is usually a half inch wide). The tape is cut about four to six inches long, depending on the size of the foot. The tape is placed over the top of the toe, just behind the first 'knuckle', and then brought down both sides of the toe. The tape is then crossed over itself and attached to the skin under the ball of the foot as the toe is pulled downwards. This taping technique will keep the toe held down, decreasing the pressure against the shoe. This tape should be removed at the end of the day, or if the toe becomes uncomfortable from the forced positioning. Those with adhesive allergies or sensitive skin should avoid this technique.

One final method of reducing hammertoe pain at home is to simply keep the thickness of any corns on top of the toes to a minimum. Corns, also called hyperkeratosis, are the natural reaction of the skin to abnormal pressure. As the skin thickens, the hard tissue on the top layer can cause pain if the tissue is too thick. By regularly filing the corn down every couple of days after bathing, the thickness of it can be reduced and toe comfort increased. Filing should be performed with an emery board or pumice stone, as the use of sandpaper or more abrasive material can harm the skin. It should be done gently, without trying to scrape off the entire top layer of the skin at once. Razors, scissors, and knives should not be used, especially in diabetics or those with poor sensation or circulation, as the likelihood of causing an injury is very high in the hands of those who are not specially trained to sharply remove corns. Moisturizers and exfoliant creams can be used to supplement the filing and to keep the skin soft and pliable.

As one can see, there are many actions that can be performed at home to reduce the pain of hammertoes. While hammertoe surgery is highly successful, not everyone can have this procedure performed. Toe pain is not normal, and should not be accepted. Home treatment techniques such as the ones described above can make the toes more comfortable, and in some people can take the place of corrective surgery.