Hammertoes occur when the lesser toes of the foot bend at the joints. Each lesser toe has three bones (phalanges) which have joints between them (interphalangeal joints). Normally, these bones and joints are straight. But hammertoes occur when the toes become bent at the first interphalangeal joint, making the toe prominent. In some cases, a bursa (red painfull soft area) is formed over the joit and this can become inflamed. This can progress to hard skin or corns forming over the joints or at the tip of the toe where pressure had increased. It is often prgressive with the joints slowly becoming fixed in position.
What causes hammertoes?
Foot biomechanics.
Trauma
Systemic conditions; diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and neuromuscular conditions
Self care
- Wear good fitting shoes with a deep toe box
- Avoid high heels
- Use a toe prop to straighten the toe if it is still mobile
- Wear a protective pad over the toe
- See a podiatrist
Podiatric care
- Advise appropriate shoes
- Advise exercises if the toes are still mobile
- Show you how to strap the toe in a corrected position
- Provide a splint or protection
- Provision of toe prop
- Consider prescribing orthotics
The way in which your foot loads during walking can place increased stress on the ball of the foot and cause increased toe activity. Special shoe inserts (orthotics) can help to control foot movement. Whilst these are unlikely to resolve established deformity they may help reduce discomfort in the ball of the foot.
Surgery
The only effective way of correcting the deformity is to have an operation. This can be done by
- Tendon transfer
- Digital arthroplasty
- Digital arthrodesis
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