A hammer toe orthotic doesn't straighten the bone the way a splint that's applied to a broken bone does. This is because the bone itself isn't broken when you have hammer toe. Rather, the muscles that bend the joint have contracted, causing the bend in your toe.
Can you straighten your toes?
For fixed toe problems, doctors often do surgery on the bones. Doctors can often treat flexible toe problems by moving tendons to release tension on the joint and let the toe straighten. In some cases, the surgery for a flexible toe problem will still include work on the bones.
How long do you wear toe straightener?
How often should you wear a hammer toe straightener? This depends on the product you're choosing. Some may be worn 24/7, while others should only be worn for 60 minutes or up to 18 hours.