Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a deformity of the foot that affects the second, third, or fourth toes. It is characterized by a bend in the middle joint of the toe, causing it to resemble a hammer. This condition can be painful and may make walking difficult.

Causes

Hammertoe is often caused by wearing shoes that are too tight, too short, or high-heeled, which forces the toe into a bent position. Over time, the toe muscles become unable to straighten the toe, even when there is no confining shoe. Hammertoe can also be caused by muscle imbalance, trauma, or certain diseases such as arthritis or diabetes.

Symptoms

The symptoms of hammertoe include:

• A toe that bends downward
• Corns or calluses on the top of the middle joint of the toe or on the tip of the toe
• Pain in the toes or feet
• Difficulty walking
• Inability to flex your toes

Treatment

Treatment for hammertoe depends on the severity of the condition. Non-surgical treatments include:

• Wearing shoes with a wider toe box
• Using pads or cushions to relieve pressure
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
• Doing toe exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to straighten the toe.

Prevention

To prevent hammertoe, it is recommended to wear shoes that fit properly and give the toes plenty of room. Avoid high-heeled shoes and make sure the shoes are long and wide enough to accommodate the toes comfortably.

Hammertoe Resources
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