The Best Hammer Toe Splints

Often caused by poorly-fitting footwear, hammer toe causes the toes to curl downward, in a claw-like position, instead of pointing forward. The condition usually affects the second, third, or fourth toe. Hammer toe splints work by realigning the affected toes to return them to their normal position. From metatarsal pads with toe loops to toe wraps, check out our list of the best hammer toe splints on the market.

Hammer Toe Treatment

Aside from investing in quality hammer toe splints, there are a number of things you can do to alleviate the discomfort of this debilitating condition. Here are just a few.

• Toe Separator Socks

  Suitable for mild cases of hammer toe, toe separator socks feature five cut out toes. The fabric between these cut-outs helps to separate the toes and keep them in their natural alignment. Toe separator socks can be worn with most shoe types.

• Toe Separators

  Made from gel, toe separators come in either a loop or an open design. Some toe separators separate all five toes, while others are designed for specific toes. While most separators are one-size-fits-most, some may not fit unusually large or small toes.

• Hammer Toe Crest Pads

  Normally made from gel or felt, hammer toe crest pads consist of a loop that goes around the affected toe and a pad that keeps it in place. They fit inside most shoes, so you can correct your hammer toe as you go about your daily activities.

• Wear Appropriate Shoes

  Since hammer toe is often caused by overly narrow shoes, such as high heels, investing in sensible footwear can go a long way to treating the condition. The best shoes for hammer toe feature wide toe boxes and good arch support.

• Foot Exercises

  Foot exercises are a great way of keeping your toe joints strong and flexible. While your doctor may prescribe a set of specific exercises tailored to your condition, most aim to alleviate the contracture that causes hammer toe. Some of the most popular exercises for hammer toe include towel curls, marble pickups, and manual stretching.

• Surgery

  Surgery is only considered as an option in the most severe cases of hammer toe. The most common hammer toe surgery is arthroplasty, in which the surgeon removes a part of the toe bone, and cuts and reattaches the tendons.

Q & A About Hammer Toe

• Does Hammer Toe Get Worse?

  Hammer toe is a progressive condition, which means that it will not get better without treatment. Nevertheless, all cases are different, with some progressing at a faster rate than others. Luckily, there are some simple measures you can take to stop hammer toe in its tracks.

• What Does Hammer Toe Look Like?

  Hammer toe is characterized by a bend in the middle joints of one or more toes, which results in the tips of the toes turning downward. This can make the toe look like a hammer or a claw, hence the condition’s name. Hammer toe usually affects the second, third, or fourth toe.

• What Causes Hammer Toe?

  Hammer toe is caused by an imbalance in the tendons, muscles, and ligaments responsible for holding the toe in position. The condition is most commonly caused by overly narrow shoes, an injury, such as a stub or a break, or a genetic predisposition.

• Who Gets Hammer Toe?

  Even though any of us can get hammer toe, there are some risk factors that can increase the risk of developing the condition. Women are more likely to suffer from hammer toe, and the risk of developing the condition increases with age. People with second toes that are longer than their big toes also have a higher risk of developing hammer toe.

Weighing All the Factors

Introducing an adjustable loop design and cushioning metatarsal pads, ViveSole’s hammer toe splints stand head and shoulders above other similar products. Caretras’ orthopedic hammer toe splint and Vesigo’s hammer toe correctors feature their own benefits, which also make them great choices. Keep reading to find the best hammer toe splints for your particular needs.