At Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation in Ottawa, our focus is on delivering cutting-edge physiotherapy-based solutions for hammer toe treatment. We prioritize easing discomfort, enhancing toe functionality, and preventing further deformities in a compassionate and supportive setting.

Understanding Hammer Toe

Hammer toe is a foot condition where one or more of the second, third, or fourth toes exhibit an abnormal curling under, leading to painful discomfort. Various factors can contribute to this condition.

Symptoms of Hammer Toe

Indications of hammer toe may include:

• Toes Deformation: Noticeable bending of the toe at the middle joint.
• Pain and Ache: Increased discomfort while walking or wearing shoes, especially those that are tight or poorly fitting.
• Corns and Calluses: Formation of hardened skin due to friction from shoe interiors.
• Restricted Toe Mobility: Limited movement at the affected toe joint, potentially progressing to increased rigidity.

Causes of Hammer Toe

The main triggers for hammer toe are:

• Inappropriate Footwear: Tight, narrow shoes that restrict toe movement can lead to hammer toe development.
• Muscle Imbalance: Weakened muscles controlling toe motion can cause one toe to press down on another, forming a hammer toe.
• Genetic Factors: Inherited predisposition to foot deformities can heighten the risk of hammer toes.
• Injuries: Toe trauma can result in abnormal positioning and subsequent hammer toe formation.

Our Specialized Physiotherapy Treatment Approach

Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation adopts a physiotherapy-centered strategy for hammer toe management.

Initial Evaluation

Your treatment commences with a thorough assessment by our adept physiotherapists, focusing on gauging the hammer toe’s extent and impact on your daily life. This evaluation includes a dialogue about your symptoms, daily routine, footwear choices, and any elements contributing to your condition.

Customized Physiotherapy Regimen

Based on the assessment, we devise a tailored physiotherapy plan to:

• Enhance Toe Flexibility: Utilizing manual therapy methods and specific exercises to expand the range of motion in your affected toe(s).
• Strengthening and Flexibility: Targeted exercises to address muscle imbalances, fortifying foot and lower leg muscles to uphold proper toe alignment.
• Pain Alleviation: Employing diverse techniques like ice, heat, and soft tissue treatments to ease pain and diminish inflammation.
• Educational Support: Our team offers ongoing advice on footwear selections and lifestyle adjustments to prevent future occurrences, ensuring you grasp how to sustain foot health long-term.

Discover Our Comprehensive Services

Besides hammer toe correction, Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation presents a wide range of services catering to various musculoskeletal conditions. We are dedicated to enhancing your overall well-being through individualized treatment.

• Physiotherapy Treatments
• Chiropractic Treatment
• Custom Orthotic Inserts
• Massage Therapy
• Cupping Therapy
• Shockwave Therapy
• Spinal Stenosis Treatment
• Physiotherapy for Motor Vehicle Accidents
• GLA:D Phyisotherapy
• Holistic Nutritionist

Opt for Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation for Hammer Toe Relief

Choosing Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation in Ottawa for your hammer toe care means selecting a path guided by seasoned physiotherapists committed to your recuperation. We are here to assist you at every stage, from initial assessment to complete recovery, with treatments tailored to your specific requirements.

Say Farewell to Hammer Toe Discomfort

Embark on your path to relief and functional enhancement with Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation. Reach out to us today to explore our hammer toe treatment alternatives and how we can assist you in walking comfortably and confidently once more.

Don’t Let These Foot Conditions Hinder You

Hammer Toe Treatment Ottawa FAQs

What Sets Apart a Hammer Toe from a Mallet Toe?

Hammer toe and mallet toe are both forms of toe deformities, but they affect distinct toe joints. A hammer toe occurs due to an abnormal bend in the middle toe joint, causing the toe to bend downward like a hammer. Conversely, a mallet toe impacts the joint closest to the toenail, leading to the toe tip bending downward. While muscle imbalances often trigger both conditions and they are more common in the second through fourth toes, their key differences lie in the affected joints and resulting toe shapes.

Can Exercises Help Prevent the Worsening of Hammer Toes?

Yes, targeted exercises can aid in preventing the deterioration of hammer toes by strengthening the toes and enhancing flexibility. Activities such as towel curls, marble pickups, and toe stretches can be beneficial. These exercises target the muscles surrounding your toes, promoting muscle equilibrium and impeding the progression of deformities. However, it is essential to combine exercises with suitable footwear and, if needed, physiotherapy interventions for optimal results.

How Long Does it Take to Witness Improvement Through Physiotherapy?

The timeline for observing improvement from physiotherapy for hammer toe varies based on factors like the severity of the condition, the specific treatment regimen, and the individual’s dedication to exercises and recommendations. Generally, improvements in pain and toe flexibility may be noticeable within a few weeks of consistent physiotherapy. However, correcting deformities or significantly enhancing toe alignment may require several months of dedicated effort. Regular follow-ups with your physiotherapist can help refine the treatment plan as necessary, ensuring progress towards your goals.

What Shoe Features Should I Seek to Manage Hammer Toes?

When managing hammer toes, opt for shoes with a spacious, deep toe box that allows your toes to move freely without constraint. Shoes should also offer adequate arch support to distribute weight evenly across the foot and alleviate pressure on the toes. Avoid high heels or narrow, pointed toe shoes, as they can exacerbate the condition by forcing the toes into cramped positions. Choose footwear crafted from soft, flexible materials that can conform to your foot shape and accommodate any padding used as part of your treatment plan.

Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation
1535 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1H 7Z1, Canada
(613) 728-9414

Hours:

Monday to Thursday: 8 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday: 8 AM – 8 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM
Sunday: Closed