A hammer toe is a common foot deformity where a toe—most often the second, third, or fourth—bends downward at the middle joint, causing it to curl like a hammer. This abnormal bend can lead to pain, corns, and calluses due to friction against footwear. Taping provides a non-invasive, temporary method to support the affected toe, gently holding it in a straighter position to mitigate the contracture. This technique aims to relieve discomfort and reduce the chronic rubbing that often worsens the condition.
Understanding Hammer Toes and Taping Supplies
The mechanical benefit of taping is that it helps to realign the bent digit, reducing pressure on the toe’s tip and friction against the shoe. For this conservative treatment to be effective, the hammer toe must still be flexible enough to be manually straightened without causing pain. Taping applies external force, which helps improve pressure distribution across the foot.
Before beginning the application process, the foot must be thoroughly cleaned and dried to ensure proper adhesion. Essential supplies include scissors and a suitable medical-grade tape, such as athletic tape for a strong hold or kinesiology tape for flexibility and breathability. Optional materials like gauze or soft padding can protect existing friction points or blisters before the tape is applied.
Step-by-Step Guide to Taping
The taping process is designed to apply corrective tension, encouraging the toe to remain flat and reducing the upward bend at the joint. A common and effective method is the “Loop-and-Pull” technique, which uses the sole of the foot as an anchor point to maintain the straightened position.
Prepare the Anchor
Begin by gently guiding the affected toe into as straight a position as is comfortable; forcing it can cause further irritation. Next, cut a strip of tape long enough to wrap around the toe and extend well under the ball of the foot toward the heel. Start by wrapping a small piece of tape around the base of the hammer toe, closer to the ball of the foot, to create a non-sticky anchor for the main corrective strip.
Apply the Corrective Strip
Take the long strip of tape and place one end on the top of the bent toe, just behind the middle joint. Bring the tape down and under the toe, pulling it gently but firmly toward the sole of the foot. This downward pull creates the necessary tension to straighten the bent joint.
Continue pulling the tape under the ball of the foot and secure the end to the sole. The tape should feel supportive, not restrictive, and the tension should pull the toe into a flatter position. For a more stable application, you can add a second strip running from the top of the toe, down and under the foot, slightly overlapping the first strip.
Secure the Wrap
To finish, smooth out all wrinkles and edges of the tape to prevent blistering or premature peeling. The final application should hold the toe in a corrected alignment without constricting the toe’s tip. After application, stand and walk briefly to confirm the tape provides support and does not cause pain or a pinched feeling, adjusting the tension if needed.
Important Safety Precautions and When to Stop Taping
Monitoring the taped area is important to prevent complications, as excessively tight wrapping can restrict blood flow. Immediately check the toe’s color and temperature after application; the toe should remain pink and warm, and color should return quickly when pressing on the nail bed. Any signs of numbness, tingling, or blue or purple discoloration indicate the tape is too tight and must be removed immediately.
Taping is intended to be a temporary treatment and should not be worn continuously for extended periods. It is recommended to remove the tape daily, after 24 to 48 hours of wear, to allow the skin to breathe and to check for irritation or blistering. The foot should be washed and dried thoroughly before a fresh application of tape is put on.
If the pain worsens, the toe becomes stiff and rigid, or if the taping technique fails to provide any noticeable relief, a consultation with a podiatrist is recommended. Taping is most effective for flexible hammer toes. A medical professional can diagnose the severity of the deformity and recommend other treatments, such as custom orthotics or splints.