Hammertoe Treatment: Your Best Non-Surgical Options (And When to Act)

If you've started to notice one of your toes curling, rubbing against your shoes, or becoming painful during activity, you're probably asking a very reasonable question:

The short answer is: Sometimes—but timing matters.

Hammertoes are one of those conditions where early action makes a huge difference. If you catch them early, there's a lot you can do to reduce pain and slow progression. But if you wait too long, the options become more limited.

In this guide, we'll walk through:

• What hammertoes actually are 

• When conservative treatment works (and when it doesn't) 

• The most effective non-surgical options available 

• What you can realistically expect 

What Is a Hammertoe?

A hammer toe is a deformity where one of the smaller toes (usually the second, third, or fourth) bends abnormally at the middle joint, causing it to look "hammered" or curled.

This doesn't happen overnight. It's usually the result of:

• Muscle imbalance in the foot 

• Long-term pressure from shoes 

• Structural instability (like flat feet or high arches) 

• Progressive overload over time 

The Two Stages of Hammertoes (This Matters More Than Anything)

Understanding this is critical because it determines whether conservative care will actually work.

1. Flexible Hammertoes (Early Stage)

• The toe can still be straightened with your hand 

• Pain is intermittent 

• You may notice rubbing or irritation in shoes 

• The deformity is not yet fixed 

This is where conservative treatment has real value

2. Rigid Hammertoes (Advanced Stage)

• The toe is stiff and cannot be straightened 

• Pain is more constant 

• Corns and calluses are common 

• The deformity is structurally fixed 

At this stage, conservative care mainly manages symptoms—not the deformity

Can Hammertoes Be Fixed Without Surgery?

Let's be direct:

• Early-stage hammertoes:
  You can often slow progression, reduce pain, and improve function 

• Advanced hammertoes:
  You can manage symptoms, but you typically cannot reverse the deformity 

There's a big difference between:

• Improving comfort 

• Fixing the structure 

Most non-surgical treatments fall into the first category.

The Most Effective Conservative Treatment Options

Let's walk through what actually works—and what doesn't.

1. Proper Footwear (This Is Foundational)

If your shoes are part of the problem, nothing else will work until this is addressed.

Key features to look for:

• Wide toe box (room for toes to sit naturally) 

• No pressure across the top of the toes 

• Activity-specific support (especially for active adults) 

Avoid:

• Tight or narrow shoes 

• High heels 

• Soft, unsupportive footwear that allows instability 

Shoes won't fix a hammertoe—but the wrong shoes will absolutely make it worse

2. Custom Orthotics (Addressing the Root Cause)

Hammertoes often develop because of biomechanical instability.

When the foot doesn't function properly:

• Tendons pull unevenly 

• Toes compensate 

• Deformities gradually develop 

Custom orthotics can:

• Improve foot stability 

• Reduce abnormal pressure on the toes 

• Slow progression of the deformity 

 This is one of the most important tools for long-term management

3. Padding and Splinting (Helpful—but Limited)

These are often overused—and misunderstood.

They can:

• Reduce pressure 

• Improve comfort in shoes 

• Help temporarily align the toe 

But they do not correct the underlying deformity.

Think of these as symptom relief tools, not long-term solutions.

4. Targeted Exercises (Helpful in Early Stages)

For flexible hammertoes, strengthening and mobility work can help maintain function.

Examples include:

• Toe stretching 

• Picking up objects with your toes 

• Towel curls 

These exercises:

• Improve muscle balance 

• Help maintain flexibility 

But once the toe becomes rigid, their effectiveness drops significantly.

5. Activity Modification

If your symptoms are driven by repetitive stress:

• Running 

• Court sports 

• Prolonged standing 

You may need to:

• Adjust training volume 

• Modify footwear for specific activities 

• Incorporate recovery strategies 

6. MLS Laser Therapy (Advanced Non-Surgical Pain Relief)

When hammertoes become painful, inflammation is often a major driver.

This is where MLS laser therapy can be extremely helpful.

It works by:

• Reducing inflammation 

• Improving circulation 

• Promoting tissue healing 

For patients with painful hammertoes, MLS can:

• Decrease pain without injections 

• Improve tolerance to activity 

• Help avoid more aggressive interventions 

Important: This doesn't "fix" the deformity—but it can significantly improve quality of life.

What Doesn't Work (Or Gets Overhyped)

Let's clear up some common misconceptions:

• Splints will straighten your toe permanently → Not true 

• Exercises will reverse a rigid hammertoe → Not realistic 

• Ignoring it will keep it from getting worse → Usually the opposite 

The biggest mistake people make is:
Waiting too long while trying things that don't address the root cause

When Conservative Treatment Is Enough

You're a good candidate for non-surgical care if:

• The toe is still flexible 

• Pain is mild to moderate 

• You've caught it early 

• You're willing to make changes (shoes, support, etc.) 

In these cases, you can often:

• Stay active 

• Avoid progression (or slow it significantly) 

• Manage symptoms effectively 

When Surgery Becomes the Better Option

You should at least consider a surgical evaluation if:

• The toe is rigid 

• Pain is limiting your activity 

• You're developing corns or ulcers 

• Conservative care isn't working 

At this stage, trying to "push through" often leads to:

• More pain 

• More deformity 

• More complicated treatment later 

The Biggest Mistake: Waiting Too Long

Hammertoes are progressive.

They don't usually:

• Stay the same 

• Improve on their own 

The earlier you address the problem:

• The more options you have 

• The less invasive treatment can be 

A Simple Self-Check

Ask yourself:

• Can I straighten my toe with my hand? 

• Is the pain only occasional? 

• Did this start recently? 

If the answer is yes—you're likely still in the window where conservative care can help.

When to See a Foot Specialist

You don't need surgery to justify getting evaluated.

In fact, the best time to be seen is:

Before surgery is even on the table

An evaluation can help:

• Determine if your hammertoe is flexible or rigid 

• Identify the root cause 

• Build a treatment plan tailored to your activity level 

Your Next Step

If you've noticed your toe starting to change—or if it's already painful—the smartest move is to get clarity.

At New Mexico Foot & Ankle Institute, we help patients across Albuquerque and surrounding areas:

• Understand their condition 

• Explore conservative options first 

• Choose the right treatment based on timing and goals 

Step 1: Come in for an evaluation

Step 2: Get a clear plan—whether that's conservative care or something more definitive

 You don't have to guess—and you don't have to wait until it gets worse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can hammertoes go away on their own?

No. They may temporarily feel better, but the structural deformity does not reverse on its own.

Do toe splints fix hammertoes?

They can help with comfort and alignment temporarily, but they do not correct the underlying issue.

Are hammertoes always painful?

No. Early stages may be painless, but symptoms typically increase over time.

Can orthotics prevent hammertoes from getting worse?

They can help reduce progression by improving foot mechanics and reducing stress on the toes.

Is MLS laser therapy safe?

Yes. It's a non-invasive treatment used to reduce inflammation and pain without injections or medication.

When is surgery necessary?

When the deformity becomes rigid, painful, and resistant to conservative care.