Hammer Toe Solutions: Taping Techniques for Pain-Free Feet

Numerous foot deformities can affect individuals; one common condition is hammer toe. It primarily affects the middle joint of the second, third, or fourth toes (with the second toe being most frequently affected), and is caused by an imbalance in the structure of the toe joints. This deformity causes the toe's middle joint to elevate, resulting in the toe bending towards the floor at the middle joint. It often coincides with a bunion, a bony bump on the joint beneath your big toe.

Hammer toes can cause pain, swelling, difficulty in walking, and decreased self-confidence. However, there are effective methods to correct this condition, such as taping, mainly when the hammer toe is still flexible. The risk factors, signs, and symptoms of hammer toe will be discussed in this article, along with advice on how to treat them with taping procedures. Read till the end to gain all the vital information you need.

Causes of Hammer Toes

Hammer toes are a type of toe deformity characterized by the downward bending of the toes at the middle joint, resulting in a hammer-like shape. While it can affect any toe except the big toe, it is common among Americans aged 21 and above, with an estimated prevalence of around 3%. Although it can cause significant pain, especially when wearing footwear, it is more prevalent in women than men, a gender difference we will explore further. The primary causes of hammer toes include:-

1. Age and gender
2. Footwear
3. Genetics
4. Toe length and posture
5. Other causes

Age and Gender

Hammer toes are commonly found in adults, with women being more susceptible to this condition. Women can be attributed to the frequent use of footwear that constricts and applies pressure on the toes. This increased pressure contributes to a higher incidence of hammer toe. Additionally, children who continue to wear outgrown shoes are at risk of developing hammer toes.

Footwear

The type of footwear you choose is vital in developing hammer toes. Wearing high heels and tight shoes is a common cause of this condition. Such footwear can disrupt the balance of your toe muscle, tightening and shortening, and contracting of tendons. Consequently, the toes become rigid and cannot straighten, even when you are not wearing shoes.

Genetics

Hammer toes and other foot abnormalities can be influenced by genetic factors. The type of foot you are born with can make you more susceptible to this condition. As a result of their extensor tendons overpowering their flexors, those with high arches are more likely to develop hammer toes. Similarly, flat and flexible feet can lead to hammer toes as the feet attempt to stabilize against a flattening arch. Research in Europe indicates that hammer toes have a heritable component, suggesting a genetic predisposition within populations. Therefore, if you have a relative with hammer toes, there is a high likelihood that you may also be susceptible to developing them.

Toe Length and Posture

Research indicates that hammertoes are common in individuals with longer toes compared to those with shorter ones. Longer tes are at a higher risk of being compressed or bent due to the pressure exerted by tight-fitting and high-heeled shoes. Additionally, the force of bunions further increases the chances of having hammer toes. Due to the development of bone growth on the big toe's base joint, bunions cause the big toe to slant toward the neighboring toes.

Other Causes

Several other factors can contribute to your chances of having hammer toes. These include:

• Trauma: Early injury to your toes may lead to the development of hammer toes. Toes broken, jammed, or stubbed may be more likely to develop hammer toes.
• Neuromuscular Conditions: Conditions that affect the muscle-controlling nerves, muscles, and even communication between muscles and nerves can result in hammer toes. Furthermore, muscle imbalances unrelated to your footwear can also cause hammer toes.
• Health Conditions: Certain medical conditions like diabetes and inflammatory joint diseases, like arthritis, can also contribute to the development of hammer toes.

Symptoms of Hammer Toes

Hammer toes are the source of considerable discomfort for those who experience them.The damaged toes are flexible in the early stages of growth, but if addressed, they may become stiff and inflexible. The following symptoms are commonly associated with hammer toes.

• Calluses and corns at the top of the affected joint.
• Pains in the ball of your foot.
• Distress at the top of your bent toe.
• Redness and inflammation.
• unable to move your toes or flex your foot.
• It is swelling at the joints of the affected toe.
• Contracture of your toes.
• Difficulty walking.

Treating Hammer Toes

At the initial stages of hammer toes development, the toes are still flexible, and the following non-surgical methods can correct the condition:

• Exercises: Exercises help to stretch and strengthen your feet muscles, which helps to reduce the imbalance that causes the hammer toes. Some practical activities include: gently stretching your toes manually, picking up small objects with your toes, scrunching a towel on the floor with your toes, etc.
• Footwear Changes: Avoid wearing tight, narrow, and high-heeled shoes if you have early-stage hammer toes. It is best to opt for flat and low-heeled shoes, open-toe shoes, sandals, and shoes with wide-toe boxes for your bent or long toes.
• Hammer Toe Splint: Hammer toe splints are a beneficial treatment option for addressing hammer toes. These splints apply pressure to the muscle that causes the toe to bend, effectively preventing the toe muscles from tightening. While hammer toe splints do not eliminate bunions, they are crucial in preventing the hammer toe from worsening. It is important to note that bunions typically cause the most discomfort with hammer toes. By using splints, individuals can experience relief and halt the condition's progression.

Early and severe conditions of hammer toes can be treated by:

• Surgical Methods: Surgical methods are advisable if the hammer toes become rigid or if non-surgical treatment options are ineffective. The types of surgery available include tendon lengthening to lengthen the tendons that cause imbalance when the hammer toe is still flexible, and tendon transfer to transfer tendons to the top of the toe to straighten the joint for people with flexible hammer toes. Another surgery type is arthrodesis, primarily for rigid hammer toes, and involves joint fusion.

Fixing Hammer Toes With Tape

Taping has proven beneficial in treating various muscular and joint conditions, including hammer toes. It plays a crucial role in recovery by supporting tendons, ligaments, and muscles surrounding the affected area. This principle extends to hammer toe treatment, where taping can effectively brace the affected muscles, mainly when the toe is still flexible. Moreover, medical professionals often recommend using tape to support toes post-surgery until the toe is fully recovered. Taping your hammer toes helps temporarily straighten the bent toe and relieves tension and pain.

Taping a Hammer Toe

Taping a hammer toe is pretty straightforward. You may choose to have a doctor help you with the taping. You can also decide to apply the tape at home. You only need to purchase the Kinesiology tape and get a friend or relative to help you utilize it. When you have all the requirements, adhere strictly to the following steps to apply tape to your hammer toe:

• Ensure the skin of your foot is dry and free from dirt, scratches, or sores.
• Begin taping by wrapping under the toe closest to the affected toe.
• Then, take the tape up and over the affected toe, ensuring you cover the top of the bent joint.
• Then, take the tape down the other side of the affected toe, wrap it, and return it to the first wrapped toe.
• Ensure you pull all the tapes tight to keep the affected toe in place and prevent abnormal and unnecessary bending.

Which Tape is Best for Hammer Toes?

There are several types of tapes that you can use for hammer toes. However, the best and most recommended is kinesiology tape. The reason is that kinesiology tape has a unique design that supports your joints and muscles without restricting movements. It has an excellent, stretchable, breathable material with an elasticity similar to your skin's, which aids its non-restriction abilities. Kinesiology tape is latex-free and hypoallergenic, particularly beneficial to individuals with sensitive skin.

Purchase Your Tapes from Hampton Adams

Hammer toes are debilitating primarily due to the pains and discomfort they cause and their impact on self-confidence. However, having adequate knowledge of their causes and symptoms can help you avoid them entirely. Furthermore, now that you know the best methods for treating hammer toes, like exercising and kinesiology taping, it will be easier to overcome the medical condition. Contact us at Hampton Adams if you want high-quality kinesiology tapes to treat your hammer toes and other taping purposes.