5 Types Of Hammer-toe Orthotics

By Author: Monica Quinn
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Hammer toe is a condition in which the toe's middle joint bends upward. The bend forces the tip of your toe to turn downward, resembling a hammer. Because of friction and pressure from the shoe, ulcerations can form on the top of the bent middle joint.

If you have a hammer toe on your second, third, or fourth toe, or even numerous toes simultaneously, several types of hammer toe splints are available to ease or avoid the associated foot problems.

Difference between splint and orthotic
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the United States now defines an orthotic device, often known as an orthosis, as an artificial support for a section of the body. An orthotic can be prefabricated or manufactured to order.

A splint, however, is a cast or wrapping material used to assist set a broken, fractured, or dislocated bone, according to CMS.

This new language is increasingly replacing the old when the terms splint and orthotic were occasionally used interchangeably. What was once known as a hammer toe splint is now an orthotic.

Types of hammer-toe orthotics
Over-the-counter ...
... hammer toe orthotics are available in a range of types. You must wear well-fitting shoes with plenty of toe room when using any of these gadgets. If you try to cram an orthotic into tight-fitting shoes, you may aggravate the situation.

Some of the orthotic types include:
Toe wraps
This is a thin elastic bandage with a Velcro strap that can be used to connect the hammer toe to the one next to it. For some, these are effective. They are minimally invasive, washable, and reusable. If your toes are small or bend to the side, you may have difficulty keeping them on.

Toe socks
Toe socks, also known as toe separator socks, have five toe-hole cutouts and padding to assist in separating your toes. They take up minimal space and are unlikely to irritate, but they do not provide as much separation as other sorts.

They may provide modest alleviation over time. If you can't locate a good fit, you can construct your separator sock by cutting holes in a thin, well-fitting sock.

Gel toe separators (also called spreaders, relaxers, or stretchers)
These are gel cut-off gloves that separate the toes and keep them straight. Some are designed to split all five toes, while others are only two. Gel toe separators can be useful if they fit properly, especially if your toes are crossed. Otherwise, they are awkward and can be annoying.

Take note of the size, especially if the kind is intended for all five toes. Toe length, circumference, and spacing vary widely. A one-size-fits-all separator does not exist.

When stretching your toes apart or massaging your toes inside your shoe, using a toe separator that is too large for you can cause pain. Try on various pairs until you find one that suits your toes.

Ball of the foot (metatarsal/sulcus) cushions
The metatarsals are your feet' five major bones connecting to your toes. Some hammer toe pain is transferred to the metatarsals. Sometimes insoles that cushion the ball of your foot or provide extra support right behind the toes can bring relief.

Hammer toe crest pad
A toe crest pad is a textile ring that wraps around the hammer toe and is held in place by an attached pad that rests beneath your toes. They are often constructed of felt or gel. They can be useful for people with overlapping toes if they are manageable.

Having enough room in your shoes for your toes to splay out naturally will have a huge impact on whether your hammer toes improve or worsen. You might not be able to afford new sneakers right now. Try to wear the appropriate orthotics at home while you can go barefoot or while sleeping.

When shopping for new shoes, use your orthotics while trying on shoes to discover the correct size and fit.

Conclusion
Hammer toe and its associated bunion can be painful and inconvenient. Over-the-counter orthotics and aids may be able to alleviate your pain.

But when pain persists or worsens despite orthotics, surgery is sometimes the only option for hammer toe treatment.

Greetings, my name is Monica. I graduated from New York Medical College and work as a nurse in Queens Hospital at the moment. The thing I love the most is morning jogging, because it is a wonderful way to keep myself in tonus. I like to communicate with people who care about their health. I became a vegetarian five years ago. Now my daily menu consists mainly of vegetables, fruits and different cheeses. I am a member of water polo team and I love gardening. I like to see how huge flowers grow out of the tiny petal, it dazzles me because I love spending my time outdoors. My goal is to visit all the USA parks, and then all over the world)