Although stretches can’t “fix” a hammertoe—once the toes begin to bend, only surgery can permanently correct the deformity—toe stretches while the joints are still flexible can help you manage pain, prevent the deformity from worsening, and ideally help keep you walking and wearing shoes normally and comfortably without needing surgical correction.
Stretches and exercises that help with hammertoes are designed to strengthen weakened toe muscles and improve flexibility and range of motion in the joints. Specific exercises may include things like crunching or grabbing towels or blankets, or picking up marbles with your toes. Even simple manual stretches, such as gently pulling your toes into a straightened position or squeezing them together with your fingers, can help.
If you’re suffering from early-stage hammertoes, be proactive: contact Massapequa Podiatry Associates for help with conservative management tools and techniques. We can also provide surgical correction, but we’d love to spare you the knife if possible! Schedule an appointment with Dr. Corey Fox by dialing 516-541-9000 or use our online form.