Do hammertoes go away on their own?
The muscle imbalances that cause a hammertoe to form will continue to make it worse unless you treat it. The middle joint will bend up more, and it will rub against your shoes, possibly causing a corn or redness and inflammation. Over time, the toe may not straighten at all, even if you press it down with your fingers. These rigid hammertoes can be very painful when you walk.
Treatment for this toe deformity includes methods like padding the joint to protect it from irritation, changing the type of shoes you wear, splinting or strapping the toe to its neighbor, exercising to increase muscle strength, or using orthotics to correct the imbalance. Medications to relieve pain or injections for pain and inflammation may also be prescribed. For very rigid, painful toes, we may even recommend surgical correction if other therapies have failed.
The expert podiatrists at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center will help you decide which treatment will work best for you. Give us a call at (303) 423-2520 and set up an appointment to have us look at your bent toes. We have offices in Wheat Ridge, Golden, Evergreen, and Granby, CO to serve you.
