Hi @pjss48, are you thinking of having surgery? What does your primary care physician say to do about it? I found some information on prevention from the Mayo Clinic website that may be of interest to you-

Prevention
You can avoid many foot, heel and ankle problems with shoes that fit properly. Here's what to look for when buying shoes:
•Adequate toe room. Avoid shoes with pointed toes.
•Low heels. Avoiding high heels will help you avoid back problems.
•Adjustability. Laced or strapped shoes are roomier and adjustable.

These additional tips can help you buy the right shoes:
•Buy shoes at the end of the day. Your feet swell throughout the day.
•Check your size. As you age, your shoe size might change — especially the width. Measure both feet and buy for the larger foot.
•Buy shoes that fit. Be sure shoes are comfortable before you buy them. If necessary, a shoe repair store might be able to stretch shoes in tight spots, but it's better to buy them to fit.

Thanks. My podiatrist is the one who mentioned surgery. I don't want surgery. I have the right shoes, 1 pair. I wish I could find the right accessories to usr between my toes and was still comfortable.

Yes I have hammer toes which get very sore. I have seen a specialist and deciding to have operation or not. Have you learnt anything about operation? TERESA

@quiteachiver75 I found a spacer at the drugstore

THANK YOU FOR YOUR REPLY. WHAT DO THE SPACER LOOK LIKE AND HOW DO YOU WEAR THEM. I LIVE IN AUSTRALIA HAVEN'T SEEN THEM HERE

@quiteachiver75 The one I have is gel on both ends it's bigger then in the middle but it fits in between toes to keep them from rubing each other They came 2in a package It was at Walgreens drugstore where I found them back where the insides are

Thanks the advice is very helpful

I will look in the chemist for them now I have the description also will go online many thanks

Hello @pjss48, I also have hammer toes which I was not really aware that I had until I was diagnosed with idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy and my Mayo Clinic neurologist asked if I minded if he took a picture of my toes. He explained that he was going to use the photos as part of a seminar on hammer toes that are typical of people who have neuropathy. My sister-in-law who is an RN had the toe surgery and was glad she did. She mentioned that it can cause balance issues and since the surgery she has found it easier to walk. She also had pain with her feet. I had thought about surgery but I don't have any pain with the toes or feet.

I have no medical training or background but I believe the foot surgery is only performed or needed to reestablish proper alignment throughout the foot and/or ankle, to reinforce and repair damaged tissue, and to alleviate pain. Mayo Clinic has some good information on healthy feet here:

https://mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/healthy-feet

Thank you John the information I found was interesting and informative and it’s thanks to you for pointing me in that direction. Will continue to think about the surgery when I see the specialist on the 5/2/19. I listened to a podiatrist also tonight on Mayoclinic. Take care TERESA

Hi @quiteachiver75, Thank you for the feedback. Can you update us after you see your specialist? Here's some more information that may be helpful about the types of surgery.

Hammer toe surgery: What to expect
— https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319577.php

@quiteachiver75
This is what I use. You can find them at http://www.pedifix.com if you do not see them in a drugstore or medical center of some kind.

@quiteachiver75 yes this is exactly what I have

Many thanks for the photo of the Toe Spacers it is easier showing the photo than trying to explain next week I will go looking

@bonnieh218 Yes thanks I didn't have a picture of them My P.T. Made a comment that I had them she said good for you they help and they certainly do