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Hammer toes are a progressive deformity that occurs at the middle joint of the toe, bending it downwards so it resembles a hammer. Flexible hammer toes may be corrected with non-surgical treatments, while those that are rigid often require surgery.
Location
Hammer toes are an abnormal bend in one or both toe joints and most often appear on the second, third or fourth toe of the foot.
Features
Hammer toe deformities occur from an imbalance of muscle groups and tendons in the toe. Muscle imbalances may be caused by a traumatic injury to the toe, disease, poor-fitting shoes or heredity.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a hammer toe deformity include corns or calluses on top of or in between the toes, or sometimes on the ball of the foot. Often soreness and inflammation will surround the site. Occasionally, open sores will develop on the toe in more extreme cases.
Non-surgical Treatments
Padding may be prescribed to help protect corns from irritation on the toe, in addition to orthotic devices placed inside of shoes to aid muscle imbalances. Corticosteroid injection therapy may help ease pain and inflammation, while splinting or strapping may be used to realign the toe.
Considerations
Alternative footwear should be considered for those who wear pointed or ill-fitting shoes. High-heeled shoes can force pressure against the toe causing damage to the muscles and tendons, while those with a longer second or third toe should have their shoes fitted not to the big toe, but with ample room for the longer ones.
Benefits
Hammer toe surgery may aid patients who have bunions or other foot or toe deformities, as they can often be corrected during the same procedure.
Source:
Foot Health Facts.org: Hammer Toes
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