- There are two joints in the lesser toes and one joint in the large toe. If the deformity occurs in the lesser toes and in the joint nearest the nail, it is called a mallet toe. .
- If the deformity occurs in the lesser toes and in the joint nearest the foot, it is called a hammer toe (View hammer toe).
- If the deformity in the lesser toes involves both of the joints, then the toe is referred to as a claw toe (View claw toe).
- If the deformity occurs in the large toe, it is known as a trigger toe.
Common Foot Conditions:
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Hammer Toes
Introduction to Hammer Toes
Patients often refer to all forms of toe abnormalities as a hammer toe. There are in fact four main forms of toe abnormalities, hammer toes, claw toes, mallet toes and trigger toes. A hammer toe can be best described as an abnormal contraction or "buckling" of a toe. This occurs due to a partial or complete dislocation of one of the joints that form the toe. As the toe continues to be deformed, it will press up against the shoe and may cause corns.
Appearance of Hammer Toes.
Photograph 1.
Shows a typical example of Hammer Toe.
Photograph 2.
Shows a typical example of a Claw toe..
Symptoms of Hammer Toes
- A hammer toe may be painful, especially when irritated by a shoe.
- All four toe conditions may cause cramps in the toes, foot and leg due to the abnormal function of the tendons in the foot.
- If a mallet toe has occurred, you are likely to suffer from a corn at the end of the toe.
- A hammer toe may cause a corn on the top of the toe (View corn and hammer toe).
- Infections and ulcers can also occur.
- In severe cases a mallet toe, trigger toe, claw toe or a hammer toe may create a downward pressure on the foot, which can result in hard skin and corns on the soles of the feet.
Causes of Hammer Toes
- Inappropriate shoes.
- Flat feet can result in hammer toes.
- High arched feet can also result in buckling toes.
- A major cause is in hereditary (family), all the toe conditions mentioned could be acquired due in hereditary factors.
- Bunions are a major cause of hammer toes.
- Claw toes are usually the result of poor fitting footwear. For many people, the second toe is actually longer than the great toe. Shoes are sized to fit the great toe, the second (and maybe even the third toe) will have to bend to fit into the shoe. Shoes that are pointed make matters even worse. Combine pointed shoes with high heels; the foot is under similar pressure as if it was constantly being pushed downhill into a wall.
- Rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to bunions, which in turn can lead to hammer toes.
Treatments for Hammer Toes
- Purchase wide fitted, low heeled shoes, running shoes are ideal.
- Make sure that stockings, tights and socks are not too constrictive.
- Non-medicated pads may relieve pressure away from corns and hard skin.
- Applying an appropriate moisturizing cream will help to keep the skin soft.
- Purchase high quality silicone products such as the silicone toe prop to cure this condition.
- A silicone toe prop will prevent the toe from contracting any further.
Dr Foot Recommends
Review: Bent-under toes need extra-strong relief
Wear with any shoes, all day long - these cushions refuse to flatten out. The silicone toe crest nestles under the hammer or bent toes, relieving pressure and friction while cushioning even the most sensitive toes.
Customer Review:
"Thank you very much for the toe stretcher I received last week. The transaction was easy and the product is easy to use and I must say I can feel my toes being pulled straight already! Thank you again!"
Mrs Stanley, UK
