Orthotics for hammer toes have been around for many years, but they are not always the best solution for everyone. In this blog post, we will discuss five reasons why orthotics may not be ideal for you. If you are considering orthotics as a treatment option for your hammer toes, be sure to read this post first!
If They Have An Underlying Medical Condition
There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to get hammer toe orthotics. The most common reason is that the person has an underlying medical condition that prevents them from being able to wear the orthotics. Some of the most common medical conditions that can prevent someone from being able to wear hammer toe orthotics include:
- Arthritis is a common condition that can cause inflammation and pain in the joints. If someone has arthritis, they may not be able to wear hammer toe orthotics because it could aggravate their condition.
- Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation. This can make it difficult for someone to wear hammer toe orthotics because they may not be able to feel the orthotics properly.
- Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that causes damage to the nerves. This can make it difficult for someone to wear hammer toe orthotics because they may not be able to feel the orthotics properly.
- Bunions are a common foot deformity that can make it difficult to wear shoes, let alone hammer toe orthotics.
It Is Not Always Suitable For Everyone
Not everyone experiences pain with their hammer toe. While the deformity may be unsightly, it does not always cause discomfort. In this case, orthotics would not be necessary. And some people have very mild hammer toe deformities. This means that their toe is only slightly bent and does not require significant correction. In these cases, orthotics may not be necessary or may only be required for short-term use.
Orthotics can also be expensive. If you do not have insurance coverage for them, they can cost hundreds of dollars out of pocket. This may not be feasible for everyone.
It Needs To Be Replaced Every Now And Then
One of the main reasons why orthotics for hammer toes need to be replaced is because they can lose their shape. This is especially true if the orthotics are made from materials that are not as durable as others. Additionally, over time the padding inside the orthotics can become compressed, which can make them less comfortable to wear.
Another reason why orthotics for hammer toes may need to be replaced is that your feet can change shape. As you age, your bones and muscles can weaken, which can cause your feet to change shape. This means that the orthotics that were once a perfect fit may no longer be ideal.
In addition, if you lose weight, your feet may also change shape. This is because when you lose weight, there is less padding on your feet. This can cause your orthotics to become loose and uncomfortable.
Finally, if you start to experience pain in your feet, it may be time to consider replacing your orthotics. This is because the orthotics may be putting pressure on a particular area of your foot that is causing pain.
It’s Not Suitable For All Kinds Of Footwear
Hammer toe orthotics can be beneficial for people suffering from hammertoe, a condition that causes the toe to bend downward at the middle joint. However, not all kinds of footwear are suitable for use with these orthotics.
In particular, shoes with a high heel or a narrow toe box can actually worsen the condition by putting additional pressure on the toe. Hammer toe orthotics are designed to provide support and cushioning for the toe, so they should only be worn in shoes that allow them to do their job properly.
There are a few different types of footwear that can be used with hammer toe orthotics. Some examples include:
- sneakers
- flats
- loafers
- dress shoes
The important thing is to make sure that the orthotics fit well in the shoe and that there is enough room for your toes. You may need to experiment with a few different types of shoes before you find ones that work well for you.
Sometimes It Can Cause Chafing And Irritation
If you have a hammer toe, you may have experienced chafing and irritation from wearing orthotics. This is because the orthotics can rub against the toes, causing friction and irritation. There are a few ways to avoid this problem:
- Choose orthotics that fit well. Make sure they are not too tight or too loose.
- Wear socks with your orthotics. This will help reduce friction and irritation.
- Apply a lubricant to your feet before putting on your orthotics. This will help reduce friction and irritation.
- Break-in your orthotics slowly. Wear them for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the amount of time you wear them.
- Check your orthotics regularly. Make sure they are not causing any chafing or irritation.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to avoid chafing and irritation from your hammer toe orthotics.
So, while orthotics may be a good option for some hammer toe patients, they are not the best solution for everyone. If you’re experiencing pain from your hammer toes, call us today to schedule an appointment. We can help you find relief and get back to living your life without discomfort.
Remember, The 3 Arches of Your Feet Still Need Support!
Maybe you have already felt the first symptoms of balance disorders or you want to prevent them from appearing in the first place. Consider getting a foot orthotic device or simply take care of your feet. Start by washing them thoroughly with a gentle soap whenever you take a shower. Being a very complex support system, your feet are your first line of defense against balance-related issues, since their arches provide you with the stability you need in your daily life. It’s time to put your foot down and push back against balance issues. With both feet on the ground, dedicate yourself to keeping them comfortable and healthy. Give us a call and we will scan your feet to make you custom orthotic inserts.
The Shoe Doctor has specialized in providing custom orthotics for 20 years. The right orthotic insoles can greatly reduce foot, knee and hip pain while increasing performance and comfort. Russell at The Shoe Doctor will help educate and assist you in finding the perfect solution for your particular situation. We will create a 3D map of your feet and make custom orthotics for your hiking boots, everyday shoes, and everything else in between. These orthotics, along with our expert advice, will get you using orthotics like a pro, and have you performing at the peak of your abilities in no time! If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, give The Shoe Doctor a call to get the best custom orthotics in the area! We are here to assist you, schedule your free consultation here!
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