FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do toe separators work to relieve foot pain?
Toe separators absorb pressure and prevent toes from rubbing against each other, thus relieving foot pain associated with overlapping toes and between-toe corns. Additionally, toe separators can help maintain toe alignment after surgery and vitamin-enriched gel separators will also help to moisturize the skin.
How do I use toe separators?
Place a toe separator between the toes that cause you problems and pull on hosiery, taking care not to displace the separator. Readjust if needed and make sure to wear shoes that are not too tight or squeeze your toes. Because toe separators do not have a correct left or right designation, they can be used on either foot. Foam and gel toe separators are washable and reusable - simply hand wash them with warm water with a little soap after each use. Rinse them thoroughly and blot with a towel; let air dry.
How do I splint a broken toe?
Often referred to as 'buddy taping,' broken toes are usually treated by taping them to a neighboring toe with the uninjured toe acting like a splint. However, severe fractures may require a cast or even surgery, especially if the toe involved is the big one. If the problem is not causing much concern and you decide to utilize a quick fix at home, start by placing a toe separator or cotton ball between the broken toe and an adjacent healthy one. Add a piece of popsicle stick as a splint and tape the toes together loosely with gauze. If you would prefer to buy a toe splint, know that most products available over the counter are actually used for maintaining the proper alignment post-surgery or for reducing bunions, not for broken toes. You can however benefit from toe trainers, which not also help straighten crooked or broken toes, but also separate toes that rub.
Will orthotics help big toe arthritis?
Big toe arthritis or hallux rigidus is very common and treatment usually consists of ice, anti-inflammatory drugs, and wearing wider and more rigid shoes. Doctors will likely recommend supportive footwear and other orthopedic supplies before progressing to steroid injections or surgery. Rigid shoe inserts also help to limit motion, relieving pain from the big toe joint, and they can be customized by heat molding or grinding.
What is a urine hat and how do I use it?
A urine collection hat, or specimen collection unit, fits on the rim of the toilet and is used to collect either urine or stool samples or to catch kidney stones. Since it comes with easy-to-read calibrations, it is also very useful for measuring the volume of urine. You may want to collect a urine sample and have difficulty using the specimen cup directly or you may want to monitor the urine volume over 24 hours. In both cases, the urine hat is a convenient and hygienic way to collect and transfer the urine to the appropriate container. To use a urine collection hat, you must first lift the toilet seat and place the hat inside the toilet with the rounded wide lip on the toilet rim. Place the toilet lid back down and proceed as usual. Carefully transfer the contents into a specimen container or a 24-hour urine collection bottle, as needed.
What is a hammertoe and how do I fix it?
Hammer toe is the name usually given to toes, other than the big one, that curl because of a bend in the middle joint. This generally happens when a toe muscle is too weak, pressuring the tendon and joint until deforming the toe. Frequently, an outgrowth forms on top of the curled toe, which is quite painful when rubbing against the shoe. Surgery is the best way to fix a hammer toe as it is a simple, permanent procedure. If you want to avoid surgery, consider switching to wider and deeper shoes and use Pedifix Hammer Toe Cushions and/or toe trainers. You can also use a pumice stone on the callus that forms on top and practice a toe exercise regimen like extending and curling them, splaying them, and moving them individually.
How can I treat my bunions?
Surgery is the only way to actually get rid of bunions but you can alleviate the symptoms by taking paracetamol or ibuprofen and by holding ice packs to them for up to 5 minutes. Opt for wider shoes with a soft sole and use bunion shields that absorb pressure and reduce friction. The intermediate solution between surgery and bunion guards or shields is the 3-Point Products® Bunion-Aider™ Bunion Splint. You can wear this correction strap day and night and you can adjust it for keeping your big toe in the proper position at all times.
Which conditions are toe cushions used for?
Much like toe separators, toe cushions help prevent chaffing, rubbing, and pinching, comforting all sorts of toe irritations and corns. They also work well for pedicures and are frequently used by athletes to keep foot medication in place.
MEDICAL ADVICE DISCLAIMER
The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, charts, and any other material on this site, is intended for informational purposes only and does not take the place of medical guidance provided by your physician. No information on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified medical professional about your condition or circumstances before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.