Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a deformity of the toe, in which the end of the toe is bent downward.
Causes
Hammer toe usually affects the second toe, although it may also affect the other toes. The toe goes into a claw-like position. The condition may occur as a result of pressure from a bunion. A corn on the top of a toe and a callus on the sole of the foot develop, which makes walking painful.
The condition may be present at birth (congenital) or develop from wearing short, narrow shoes. Hammertoes also occurs in children who continue to wear shoes they have outgrown.
Symptoms
- Callus forms on the sole of the foot
- Claw-like deformity of a toe
- Corn forms on the top of a toe
- Foot pain -- pain in the joint where the great toe joins the foot
Exams and Tests
A physical examination of the foot confirms hammer toe.
Treatment
Mild hammer toe in children can be treated with foot manipulation and splinting the affected toe. Wear the right size shoes or shoes with wide toe boxes for comfort and to avoid aggravating hammer toes.
Protect the protruding joint with corn pads or felt pads, corrective footwear, or other foot devices. Exercises may be helpful.
Severe hammer toe requires an operation to straighten the joint. The surgery may involve cutting or moving tendons, or fusing the joints of the toe together.
