Foot wearing clear gel toe separators between the toes

Hammer Toes: Relief Without Surgery and Whether Toe Separators Help

Short answer: a hammer toe is a second, third or fourth toe that bends downward at its middle joint, so the knuckle sticks up and rubs on shoes. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains that in the early, flexible stage it can usually be managed without surgery: shoes with a deep, roomy toe box, cushioning pads over the raised joint, crest pads or toe straighteners under the toes, and exercises to stretch and strengthen the toe muscles. These measures relieve pain and rubbing. They will not permanently straighten a toe that has become rigid, and surgery is reserved for painful toes that do not respond.

What causes hammer toes?

  • Shoes that are too short, narrow or high-heeled, which hold the toes bent. Over time the muscles and tendons tighten in that position.
  • Muscle and tendon imbalance in the foot, which becomes more common with age.
  • A long second toe, which gets pushed back in shoes.
  • Bunions. A drifting big toe crowds the second toe. See bunion relief without surgery.
  • Arthritis, diabetes, nerve conditions and previous toe injury.

Flexible or rigid: why does it matter?

Press gently on the bent joint. If you can straighten the toe with your fingers, it is flexible, and conservative care can keep it comfortable and may slow progression. If it will not straighten, it is rigid, and the goal of home care is simply to protect the skin and relieve pressure.

What shoes should I wear with hammer toes?

  • A deep, wide toe box with about half an inch between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
  • Soft, stretchy uppers with no seams over the toes.
  • Heels under two inches.
  • Buy shoes late in the day and have both feet measured. Feet lengthen and widen with age.
  • A cobbler can stretch a "pocket" over a prominent toe.

Do toe separators, pads and straighteners help?

  • Gel toe caps and corn pads. Cushion the top of the bent joint and the tip of the toe where corns form. Use non-medicated pads. The AAOS advises against medicated corn removers, particularly for people with diabetes or poor circulation.
  • Crest pads. A soft roll that sits under the toes and lifts them, taking pressure off the toe tips.
  • Toe straightener loops and splints. Hold a flexible toe in a flatter position inside the shoe.
  • Gel toe separators and spacers. Reduce rubbing between crowded toes and give a gentle stretch. Many people like to wear them for 15 to 30 minutes in the evening, building up gradually.

All of these improve comfort while worn. None will permanently correct the toe. See our toe care range and foot care collection.

Which exercises help hammer toes?

  • Manual stretch. Gently straighten the bent toe with your fingers and hold for 10 to 30 seconds. Repeat several times a day.
  • Towel curls. Place a towel flat on the floor and scrunch it toward you with your toes.
  • Marble pick-ups. Pick up marbles or small objects with your toes and drop them in a cup.
  • Toe spreading. Spread your toes apart, hold five seconds, relax. Ten repetitions.

How should I look after corns and calluses?

Soak the foot in warm water, then smooth thickened skin gently with a pumice stone or foot file and apply moisturiser. Never cut corns yourself. If you have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling in your feet, leave all corn and callus care to a podiatrist.

When should I see a doctor or podiatrist?

See a professional if the toe is painful despite roomier shoes and padding, if it has become rigid, if you develop open sores, redness or signs of infection, or if walking is affected. Anyone with diabetes should have foot deformities and skin changes checked early.

Key takeaways

  • Hammer toes start flexible and can become rigid. Act early.
  • Shoes with a deep, roomy toe box are the most important change.
  • Toe caps, crest pads, straighteners and separators relieve pressure and rubbing but do not cure the deformity.
  • Daily toe stretches and strengthening help keep the toe flexible.
  • Painful rigid toes, sores or diabetes mean see a podiatrist.

Sources

This article is general wellness information and is not medical advice. It does not replace an examination by a qualified healthcare professional. If your pain is severe, sudden or getting worse, please see a doctor.

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