Hammer Toe Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
How do I treat hammertoe or floating toe?
What exactly is hammertoe? Hammertoe is a deformity of the middle joint of the second, third, or fourth toe that causes the joint to lift up, abnormally bending the toe downward. This leads to pressure on the toe while wearing shoes. Hammertoe usually starts out as a mild deformity that gets worse over time. Floating toe is a complication after a Weil Osteotomy surgery that affects the joint at the base of the toe, causing the toe to point upward. A toe straightener strap is a great solution both before and after surgery.
What causes hammertoe?
Hammertoe is generally caused by arthritis, poorly-fitted footwear, unusually high arches, or tight tendons and ligaments in the foot.
How do you treat hammertoe or floating toe?
Initially this deformity can be addressed with straps and stretching, but if left untreated it can become fixed and require a surgical procedure known as a Weil Osteotomy. A toe straightener strap helps to correct this problem before surgery and can also be used as a rehabilitation tool post-operation to help with floating toe.
