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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
- 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.
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.
TREATMENT
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.
 Read
more about Silicone Toe Prop at £10 with Free
Postage and Packaging
Freephone
0800 1953440
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