Hammer Toe

It is a mild deformity in the toes in which there may be the presence of slight bend. The toe becomes curled because of this bend which is usually present in the middle of joints. Mallet toe is not the same as hammer toe since it affects the upper joint of the toe. The main reason for getting hammer toe is wearing tight shoes or using high heels. Due to subsequent pressure exerted by the shoes, the toe gradually bend forward causing hammer like appearance.

Causes :

Wearing wrong size shoes and overly tight shoes are the main cause for hammer toe. Hammer toe is mostly found in second toe and is prevalent in women who wear short shoes and high-heeled shoes. Sometimes it also occurs on children who wear the same old shoes even when they are grown.

Foot injury or trauma in which the toe gets damaged causing hammertoe. Even diabetics can cause serious changes in the nerve of the toe joints.

Hammertoe is also caused by heredity when it is passed on to generation by birth. In the long run, it may affect the nervous system.

Symptoms :

You can see the second toe slightly bent forward in the middle. It looks like a claw or a hook protruding from the toe. Initially it would be easy to move the toe to straighten it. But as time passes, it is not possible to straighten it. Sometimes, a callus is seen on the sole of the foot.

The affected person may find it difficult to walk and it may cause pain whenever he wears shoes.

Diagnoses :

Doctor can find out the hammertoe condition by a physical examination of the toes.

Treatment :

In children it is easy to straighten the hammertoe by manipulating it. There are some home remedies by which you can prevent hammer toe formation. Choose the right size of shoes and see whether it is comfortable for you to walk. Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes which is the main reason for hammertoe. It would be better to wear soft insoles or inserts on the shoes so that you can avoid the pressure caused to the toe while walking. Apply com pads on the joints to get relief from pain. Alternatively you can do stretching exercise like picking up marbles using toe, for improving the condition.

Doctors suggest using regulators for making good the condition of the toe. In severe case, surgery is done for straightening hammertoe. The surgeon would cut and move the tendons and even the bones on either side to make good the joints. But this process takes only few hours and you can get back to work on the same day.

Pictures of Hammer Toe :

Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Hammer Toe

Complications :

By repeated pressure on the toes, you may have foot deformity or some changes in walking posture.

Prevention :

The best to prevent hammertoe is wearing shoes of right size and not using heeled shoes. Ensure that your child is wearing the right shoe during the developmental stage. Avoid using vinyl shoes that generates heat and pressure to the toe. Wear only soft sandals and breathable shoes that are flexible and roomy.