Wellness

[SouthernBee]

Not ready for orthopedic doctor. Age 65, cerebral palsy, had bunion surgery on both feet in my 20's, always wore orthopedic shoes. Told bunions from joint issues and hereditary. Mother had bunions and hammer toes. On my left foot. Today noticed swollen and itchy toe and thought had been bitten by something. Felt the joint , took photo and compared to other photos. 
Any suggestions or success stories with using over the counter products like the toe separators? At my age really don't want anymore orthopedic surgery. Southern Bee

[petitelady7]

Just like you, I had a bunionectomy at an early age.  Then the hammertoe appeared in my 50's.  I made the mistake of having the hammertoe surgery done by an orthopedic doctor instead of a podiatrist...BIG MISTAKE.  The recovery from this surgery was very painful and was unsuccessful.  Although I see sleeves, silicone pads and silicone separators at the drug store, they end up falling off or become uncomfortable.  I sincerely hope you have better luck than me to alleviate your discomfort.  Take care.

[SouthernBee]

@petitelady7 : Thank you for taking the time to respond. So sorry that you are dealing with this and hope you can find a solution. I found some toe exercises. The cerebral palsy was on my left side- leg and foot. I can easily do the exercises on the right foot but can't force heavy enough movements in my left foot and toe. I had the bunion surgery on both feet and thought I could find something to help and prevent any problems for the right foot. Just as you indicated so many of the toe separators looked uncomfortable and like they could slide off. Foot pain very difficult to ignore. ❤️Southern Bee.

[RedTop]

Look for foam toe separators. My husband wears them on the 2nd toe on both feet to prevent rubs. He receives them in tube form thru the VA, and we cut to size. They do not come off until he takes them off. I have seen a similar product at CVS.

[SouthernBee]

@RedTop : Thank you for taking the time to respond and share your information. I will check this out. Please  tell your DH that I appreciate his service and praying for the both of you. ❤️Southern Bee

[esmerelda]

@SouthernBee  I looked up hammer toe because I wasn’t sure what it was. There was mention of a splint to straighten the toe. 

It it seems like straightening the toe(s) would be more helpful than just separating them. 

I hope you get some relief. 

[Desertdi]

If the hammertoe is "new"........you can fix it yourself by stretching the muscle underneath.    I did this myself!   Google for more "directions".  di

[SouthernBee]

@esmerelda : Thank you for your help. In process researching this.❤️Southern Bee

[SouthernBee]

@Desertdi : Thank you for your help. In process of researching this to find something that I can do.❤️Southern Bee

[ALRATIBA]

@SouthernBee

I bought some gel toe things that slip over toe, separates it and keeps the shoe from rubbing. Works great. I’ve been using it for about 6 month. No issues with it.