Tips For Treating And Managing Hammertoe

Strengthening Exercises For Toe Muscles

For individuals with flexible cases of hammertoe, many strengthening exercises for toe muscles can help. Specific techniques counteract the muscle imbalances that cause deformities. A podiatrist or physical therapist can teach patients exercises to target the extensor muscles pulling the foot upward against resistance. Keeping the toe joints strong through exercise will prevent hammertoes and reduce pain. Examples of these exercises are marble pickups, towel curls, or just pulling toes to stretch the joints. If the pain hasn't gone away, you haven't noticed an improvement after two weeks, or if you have sores, contact a doctor. Foot wounds left untreated can get infected and cause osteomyelitis and cellulitis especially if you have arterial disease or diabetes.

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