To treat hammertoe, wear comfortable shoes with large toe boxes, as it commonly develops from shoes that are too small, narrow, or high-heeled. It can also result from injury, arthritis, or a high foot arch. Shoe inserts can help when a high arch is the cause. Over-the-counter treatments are available to alleviate the related corns and calluses. Toe stretches can help restore the toe’s correct position, as well as lessen the pain.