(HealthDayNews) -- If one or more of your toes are permanently bent at the joint, it may be due to a deformity called hammer toe. The condition is often caused by shoes that don't fit properly, or a muscle imbalance.
In their early stages, hammer toes are flexible and can be corrected with simple treatments. But if left untreated, the affected toes can become fixed and require surgery, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.
Here are some self-care suggestions:
- Wear shoes that have lots of soft toe room. Ideally, your shoes should be a half inch longer than your longest toe.
- Avoid wearing tight, narrow, high-heels.
- Hammer toe pads available at drugstores can help relieve pressure.
- Use ice to ease severe pain.
If self-care doesn't give you any relief, speak to your doctor. Other treatment options include taping and padding, custom orthotic devices or surgery.
