The toe bends downward at the joint in hammer toes, sometimes referred to as hammertoes, a prevalent ailment that can be painful. Though surgery is frequently the best long-term option, there are other ways to reduce the discomfort and even use tape to temporarily cure hammer toes. This page will go over how to fix hammer toes with tape and offer further details on exercises and other therapies.
Materials Needed
To fix hammer toes with tape, you will need the following materials:
Medical or kinesiology tape
Cotton balls
Scissors
Soap and water
A clean and dry surface to work on
How to Fix Hammer Toes with Tape
Sort the Foot and Get the Toe Ready
For best tape adhesion, start by cleaning your feet with soap and water. This is crucial in particular if you have any open wounds or sores on your foot.
Toes can get corns or calluses; toe pads or cotton balls can help. Better adhesion of the tape to your skin will result from this as well.
Wrap the Tape Tightly
As best you can, sit comfortably and gradually straighten the afflicted toe. Get the toe into its natural position; this could take some work.
Cut a length of medical tape big enough to enclose the hurt toe. Though not too lengthy to be cumbersome, the tape should be long enough to wrap around the toe base beneath the knuckle.
Working your way up from the bottom, wrap the tape around the toe base behind the knuckle. Make sure the tape keeps circulation going by being just right—not too tight. The toe can be helped to straighten while the tape is being applied by gently pulling.
Line Up the Toe
Pull the toe outward somewhat as you wrap the tape to help it straighten. A more natural position should be supported by the tape. Toe placement can be softly guided with your fingers.
Once the toe is wrapped, securely press the tape’s end against it. Wrinkles or folds in the tape might be uncomfortable. Ensure the tape is flat and smooth on the skin.
If Needed, Repeat
The intensity and degree of comfort with your hammer toe may require you to add more tape or change the position. Please experiment with several tapping techniques to find the one that suits you the best.
Should you discover that the tape is not offering adequate support, you can apply more layers or change the orientation to get a more cozy and supportive fit.
View Comfort
Taping your toe should feel snug and comforting. Should you experience any pain or discomfort, take off the tape right away, try again, or see a doctor.
Anyplace the tape might be causing pain or irritation should be noted. Take off the tape and see a doctor if any redness, swelling, or open sores appear.
Exercises to Relieve Hammer Toes
Apart from tapping, there exist a number of activities that can reduce the hammer toes symptoms:
Crush of the Toe
Sit back in a chair and place a towel on the floor in front of you.
Using your toes, tense the towel toward you as though you were attempting to pick it up. Ten to fifteen seconds later, release. Many times over, repeat this procedure.
Stretching of the Toes
With your legs out in front of you, sit back comfortably.
Stretch your toes backward, away from your body, using your hands; hold for ten to fifteen seconds, then release. Work through this procedure multiple times.
Stretching of the Toes
Holding your foot off the ground, bring your toes as near to the surface as you can.
Ten to fifteen seconds later, release. Make multiple repetitions of this procedure.
Marble Pick-Up
Spoon a few marbles onto the ground in front of you.
One marble at a time, carefully raise with your toes and drop it into a container. Both flexibility and toe muscle strength are increased by this exercise.
Spreading Toes
Lean back in a comfortable chair, your legs out in front of you.
As far space your toes as you can, hold for five to ten seconds, then release. Work through this procedure multiple times.
Other Treatments on How to Fix Hammer Toes with Tape
There are other ways to treat hammer toes, even if taping and exercises can offer some short-term relief:
When used regularly, particularly while sleeping, toe cushions or separators can help straighten the toes over time.
Orthotics or arch support devices can help regulate foot function and try to stop the hammer toe from getting worse.
Surgery may be required in more serious situations to remove the bony protrusion and realign the joint.
See also: How to keep press on nails from popping off
Conclusion
Learning how to fix hammer toes with tape is a straightforward process that can provide temporary relief from discomfort and pain. Hammer toe symptoms can be reduced and a more pleasant and healthy foot can be achieved by doing the above-mentioned actions together with exercises and other therapies. Relentless pain or discomfort should be treated by a doctor, who can offer individualized advice and care.
