Hammer, claw, and mallet toes are usually caused by an imbalance of the flexor and extensor muscles at the relevant joints, especially when one muscle group overpowers the other. These poor foot mechanics often develop when unhealthy footwear is used over extended periods.

There are two muscle groups that control joint movements:

• Flexors cause the toes to bend downward

• Extensors cause the toes to rise

These two groups naturally oppose each other but, when they work together, they produce a balanced tension that keeps the joints properly aligned.

They are further subdivided into two muscle types:

• Intrinsic muscles, which are the small muscles in the foot. These muscles are involved in finer movements.

• Extrinsic muscles, which are muscles in the lower leg that are connected to the foot via long tendons. These muscles help stabilize the foot during weight bearing activities.

These conditions occur as a result of intrinsic muscle activity attempting to stabilize the foot’s arch when the extrinsic muscles have failed to do so.

Modern science has identified that the nervous system plays a critical role in stabilizing the feet and ankles when walking or running. It is now understood that poor arch stability is a symptom of inefficient neuromuscular function caused by conventional footwear use. In fact, conventional footwear use causes poor neuromuscular function throughout the feet, legs, hips, and back, when:

• the soles of the feet don’t receive the subtle, varied stimulus that the nervous system requires for healthy function, and

• snug toe boxes, stiff midsoles/outsoles/uppers and tight lacing restrict healthy foot movement.

To learn more about how your footwear affects function and performance, click HERE.

The best way to prevent and treat hammer, claw, and mallet toes is to retrain healthy neuromuscular function and to use footwear that is soft, flexible, and roomier in the forefoot.

Conventional treatment methods for hammer, claw, and mallet toes

Since the late 1890s, the standard treatment for poor foot mechanics has been to artificially support the foot with an orthotic. Other conventional treatment options include:

• taping/splints

• modified footwear

• surgery

Modern science has transitioned away from using long-term support on any body part because it causes a progressive weakening of the body part being supported.

The modern approach to treating hammer, claw, and mallet toes

Science underscores the body's inherent ability to restore and improve its own function when presented with the appropriate challenges. This principle lies at the heart of contemporary therapeutic methods used to correct and enhance neuromuscular function, particularly in foot health.

Therapeutic rehabilitation, focusing on the body's natural mechanics and responses, emerges as the safest and most effective strategy for addressing the underlying causes of conditions like hammer, claw, and mallet toes, shifting the focus from temporary relief to long-term health and functionality.

Understanding the Fundamentals:

• Proper Technique: This refers to rehabilitative exercises that concentrate on re-establishing optimal neuromuscular function. It's about reinforcing healthy mobility, muscle strength, stability, and alignment in a safe manner.

• Right Stimulus and Right Movement: Effective movement is predicated on the quality of sensory information the brain receives, particularly from the soles of the feet. The feet's nerve endings are crucial in transmitting this data, ensuring coordinated movement throughout the musculoskeletal system. When sensory input is compromised—as is often the case with conventional footwear—the body's natural reflexes and movements can be inhibited.

Adopting the Modern Approach:

1. Barefoot Walking: Engage in barefoot walking, particularly on natural surfaces, as frequently as feasible. This practice delivers the optimal stimulus for healthy neuromuscular function, promoting the right kind of movement.

2. Utilization of Biopods®: Incorporate Biopods footwear or insoles into your routine. Our footwear is designed to create an ideal environment for proper foot technique, while our insoles are crafted to enhance the sensory feedback in your conventional shoes. For optimal results, use in footwear that is soft, flexible, and allows for natural movement of the arches and toes.

3. Consultation with Healthcare Professionals: Prior injuries might have led to the formation of fibrotic scar tissue. It's advisable to consult with a healthcare practitioner about therapies that can address these issues to facilitate better foot function.

Conclusion:

The modern approach to foot health is integrative and proactive, focusing on encouraging the body's natural ability to heal and maintain itself. It's an investment in your long-term health and wellbeing, steering away from temporary fixes and instead, fostering lasting, comprehensive foot health.

Consult with your healthcare practitioner to ask about employing soft tissue mobilization therapies to address the fibrotic scar tissue that may have formed prior to using Biopods.

For more information on what to expect when using Biopods, click HERE.