Correcting mild toe deformity by specific exercises

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Has anyone every tried to correct toe deformities ,such as hammer or claw toes ,using the type of device shown in the advertisement (1) I have linked to below ? Note ;this is a question and not any sort of recommendation .

Link
the digit exerciser - Bigger Faster Stronger

www.biggerfasterstronger.com/uploads2/88_Jan_DigitExercise.pdf summary of that research completed at Brigham. Young University. I feel the Digit Exerciser which strengthens the fingers and toes in a progressive resistance ...

 

The Brigham associated digit exerciser seen in the link below (1 ) is described in the accompanying text as providing "progressive resistance exercise for the toe flexor muscles causing articulation at metatarso phalangeal joints " .Also, in my opinion,as the toe flexors apply force , the toes move around the MTPJ's but are at the same time encouraged into a straighter alignment with regard to the inter phalangeal joints.Thus the device encourages the toes to function in more natural ,pre deformity , alignment .
If this is true then perhaps the exerciser in question might help with toe deformity and is worth investigating for this purpose by those qualified to do such investigating .
Link (1)
the digit exerciser - Bigger Faster Stronger

www.biggerfasterstronger.com/uploads2/88_Jan_DigitExercise.pdf summary of that research completed at Brigham. Young University. I feel the Digit Exerciser which strengthens the fingers and toes in a progressive resistance ...

 

I can only see it working if weaker muscles are the cause of the toe deformity
Most toe deformities are not due to weak muscles.

 

My understanding is that the majority of toe problems/deformities are related to the use of ill fitting shoes and that prolonged use of ,for example ,tight shoes can lead to deformities that are difficult to correct . But lets say we take our wearer of tight ,pointy shoes and get them into a pair of shoes with a wide toe box .The cause of the problem has gone but the deformity remains . So how does a podiatrist fix the problem in a conservative fashion .

Some time ago we had a conversation about the short foot exercise where I expressed the view that far from restoring correct muscle function the short foot exercise might actually re-tasked the toe extensors to act in concert with the toe flexors (intrinsic ) to produce a more pronounced medial arch but at the cost of producing less plantar pressure under the toes during gait . I would now further argue that if the structures of the foot can be educated to perform a previuosly alien task then surely they can be re-educated to perform "natural" tasks .

When a person uses the Brigham Young University related "digit exerciser" the ends of the toes push down on a platform which moves with the toes . This contact encourages the toes to both move around the MTFJ 's and to do so in more lengthened positions .The exercise stretches the toes out as they plantarflex . Perhaps progressive use of the device can correct deformity not so much by addressing strength deficits but by lengthening shortened tendons and re-establishing muscle synergies

Regards Gerry

 

Further to the previous post , it seems clear to me that tissue growth is promoted by progressive resistance training much more quickly than repetitive every day movements .Perhaps then ,if you want to realign the toes to pre deformity patterns then toe spacers etc could be used during exercise with devices like the "digit exerciser" to promote more rapid and more easily controlled tissue changes /realignment .

Put more generally , if an individual wears a realignment device as they go about their daily business then perhaps the stimulus for realignment to the supported position will be insufficient for tissue changes to occur and give permanent change . Better results might be possible with a combination of realignment device and simultaneous growth promoting ,progressive resistance training .

Always consult a physician before starting any new exercise regime.

Note ; source of this post below (1)
And before you ask Eric , no I am not trying to drive up search engine numbers .

Actually , if you are reading this , could I ask your opinion on the contents of the thread ?

(1)
Correcting footwear induced toe deformities - Biomch-L

https://biomch-l.isbweb.org/.../30154-Correcting-footwear-induced-toe-deformities
13 May 2017 - 2 posts - ‎1 author
Might it be possible to correct mild , footwear induced , toe deformities , such as hammer or clawtoes , using the type of device shown in the ...