Hammer Toe

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Hammer Toe
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Hammer Toe

• A hammertoe is a deformity that is caused in the
  second, third or fourth toe in which the toe
  becomes bent at the middle joint hence, it
  resembles a hammer. Claw toe and mallet toe are
  related conditions. While a hammertoe is
  contracted at the first toe joint, a mallet toe
  is contracted at the second toe joint, and a claw
  toe is contracted at both joints.

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Causes of Hammer Toe

• The main cause of hammertoe is poorly fitted or
  poorly designed footwear. Any footwear that is
  too tight in the toe box, especially high-heeled
  shoes, can push the toes forward, crowding one or
  more of them into a space that is not large
  enough to let the toes to lie flat and spread as
  they should. Different causes of hammertoe
  include the following
• Changes in foot anatomy. Sometimes the metatarsal
  bones in the ball of the foot can drop,
  creating a situation in which the toes do not
  make contact with the surface of the shoe. The
  toes can then be contracted at one or both of the
  joints to make contact with the surface.
• Injuries in which toes are broken or jammed.
• Diabetic neuropathy. This can cause abnormal foot
  biomechanics due to nerve or muscle damage.

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Causes of Hammer Toe
Continue

• Damage to nerves and muscles from other
  conditions, such as arthritis or stroke.
• Heredity.

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Symptoms of Hammer Toe

• Symptoms of hammertoe may include
• Difficulty in moving the toe that worsens over
  time
• Pain, especially when walking or wearing shoes
• A corn may be formed on the top of the toe, and
  a callus may be formed underneath or at the tip
  of the toe and on the bottom (plantar) foot
  surface at the toe's metatarsophalangeal joint as
  these areas are subjected to pressure or rubbing
  from footwear.

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Prevention Treatment of Hammer Toe

• To save hammertoes from developing, wear shoes
  or boots that provides appropriate width in the
  toe box to ensure minimal compression.Use
  inserts that help the toes flatten out and spread
  and give sufficient support to the metatarsal
  arch in the forefoot.If hammer toes have been
  already formed, padded socks can be used to help
  in protecting the tops and the tips and may
  reduce pain from rubbing and chafing.If the
  affected toe is still flexible, changing to
  footwear with a larger toe box and lower heels
  can allow the toe to realign itself and help
  reduce pressure and pain.If the toe has some
  limited flexibility, a podiatric physician or
  foot specialist may be able to straighten it
  simply by making an incision and releasing the
  tendon.

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