If you’ve noticed one or more of your toes starting to curl downward at the middle joint — especially if it’s becoming painful — you may have a hammertoe. Hammertoe is the most common deformity to impact your lesser toes, and, unfortunately, it can make walking uncomfortable and wearing shoes a challenge.
Understandably, if you have these symptoms, you may wonder if orthotics can help — or even correct — your hammertoe.
Read on as our team at Manhattan Podiatry Associates in Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, New York City, explains what orthotics can — and can’t — do to help with hammertoes.
Orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts designed to support and align your feet. They’re often used to relieve pressure, correct abnormal foot mechanics, and ease pain caused by conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or bunions.
Each set is custom-made based on scans or impressions of your feet.
Orthotics can’t reverse or unbend a hammertoe once it has become rigid. You may suspect that you have a rigid hammertoe if you can’t straighten it (either by moving your toe on its own or by manually straightening it with your hand).
That being said, early intervention with orthotics can be beneficial, especially if your toe remains flexible. Orthotics can:
Orthotics help shift pressure away from your affected toe joint. This can reduce pain and irritation and make walking more comfortable.
Muscle imbalances — such as weak intrinsic muscles paired with overactive extrinsic muscles — can contribute to hammertoe deformities. This imbalance pulls your toes into abnormal positions, including extended joints and flexed tips.
Orthotics can support your foot's structure, promote better muscle alignment, and address foot imbalances (like overpronation or a high arch).
While they won’t fix a rigid hammertoe, orthotics can help slow its progression and reduce the likelihood of you needing surgery.
If your hammertoe becomes rigid and painful despite conservative treatment, your Manhattan Podiatry Associates podiatrist may recommend surgery to straighten or realign your joint.
Orthotics can help here too. In many cases, orthotics remain part of the treatment plan after surgery to prevent recurrence and improve foot function.
If you’re dealing with a hammertoe or notice changes in your toe alignment, don’t wait. The earlier you seek treatment, the more options you'll have, including nonsurgical ones like orthotics.
Call our New York City location of your choice or click here to schedule an appointment with our team today.
