How to Fix Hammer Toes with Tape
Hammertoes: Causes, Taping Methods, and Exercises for Relief

Hammertoes: Causes, Taping Methods, and Exercises for Relief

Hammertoes, often called curled or bent toes, are a common issue causing discomfort and making people feel self-conscious about their feet. When you look at a hammertoe from the side, you can see a noticeable bend in one or both toe joints, giving it a hammer-like appearance.

The good news is that many hammertoe cases can be eased, sometimes even fixed, without surgery. One of the best methods to fix hammertoe is with tape. Let’s explore the taping method and additional exercises to get relief. You can also consider using products with extra strength formula designed to exfoliate and hydrate rough, dry skin and thick calluses, ensuring your feet stay soft, smooth, and healthy.

What are Hammer Toes?

Hammer toes are a foot condition where one or more toes become bent or curled instead of lying flat. This bending typically occurs at the toe's middle joint, causing it to resemble the shape of a hammer, hence the name.

Although it can affect any toe, the second, third, or fourth toes are the most commonly affected. It's often caused by muscle imbalance, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or structural issues in the foot.

For those dealing with rough, dry skin and thick calluses on the feet, products containing urea can be highly effective. Urea penetrates calluses and thick, hard skin to hydrate and exfoliate in one step, offering extra strength formula solutions recommended by doctors.

How to Fix Hammer Toes with Tape At Home?

There are many methods to reverse hammertoes, such as exercises and DIYs. Let’s first discuss one of the best methods: fixing hammertoe with tape.

Materials Needed:

  • Medical or kinesiology tape
  • Cotton balls
  • Scissors
  • Soap and water

Steps:

  1. Clean the Foot and Prepare the Toe: Start by using soap and water to wash your feet. To ensure that the tape sticks well, make sure it is dry. Apply toe pads or cotton balls to your toes to relieve corns or calluses. It will help prevent irritation.
  2. Wrap the Tape Carefully: Sit comfortably and gently straighten the affected toe as much as possible. Cut a length of medical tape large enough to cover the damaged toe. Start by wrapping the toe base behind the knuckle with the tape. To preserve circulation, wrap it snugly but not too tightly.
  3. Straighten the Toe: As you wrap, gently pull the toe outward, encouraging it to straighten. The tape should support the toe in a more natural posture. After wrapping the toe, firmly push the tape's end against the toe to secure it. The tape should have no wrinkles or folds, which can cause discomfort.
  4. Repeat if Necessary: Depending on the severity and comfort level of your hammer toe, you may need to apply additional tape or adjust the positioning. Feel free to try different taping methods to see which ones work the best.
  5. Check for Comfort: After taping your toe, ensure it feels comfortable and tight. If you feel any pain or discomfort, remove the tape immediately, give it another go, or see a doctor.

4 Best Hammer Toe Exercises to Get Relief

You can use a variety of exercises to relieve your hammer toe. Here are some of the best hammer toe exercises:

i. Toe Crunch:

Doing toe crunches will help you develop the muscles in your toes. Place a little towel on the ground before you while sitting comfortably in a chair. Tighten the towel towards you with your toes as though trying to pick it up.

ii. Toe Stretching:

Toe stretching helps improve the flexibility of your toes. Sit comfortably and extend your legs in front of you. Use your hands to stretch your toes backward, away from your body gently. For ten to fifteen seconds, hold this stretch, then let go.

iii. Toe Flexing:

Flexing your toes can help build stronger toe-controlling muscles. Stretch your foot off the ground and extend your toes as close to the ground as you can.

iv. Marble Pickup:

Marble pickup is a fun and effective exercise to improve toe dexterity. Drop a few marbles onto the floor directly in front of you. With your toes, carefully lift one marble at a time and drop it into a container. This workout enhances your toe muscles and increases coordination.

Final Thoughts!

Fixing hammer toes with tape is straightforward, and you can easily do it yourself. You can also invest in foot cream or toe cushions with extra strength formula to help with rough, dry skin and thick calluses. Products containing urea are particularly effective, as they hydrate and exfoliate the skin, leaving your feet soft, smooth, and healthy.

Are you too tired of seeing those hammertoes? Check out Moovkart's Hammer Toe Cushion for added comfort and support for healthier feet.

People Also Ask!

What kind of tape do you use for hammer toes?

Use medical or kinesiology tape to support and encourage alignment for hammer toes.

How can I permanently fix my hammer toe?

Permanent fixes for hammer toes include exercises, proper footwear, and toe splints.

Is it possible to treat hammer toes without surgery?

Yes, non-surgical methods such as exercises, toe splints, and supportive devices can help fix hammer toes. Additionally, foot creams and products with urea can aid in managing rough, dry skin and thick calluses, making your feet healthier overall.