About this topic
Your toes are made of small bones. Strong bands of tissue called ligaments hold the bones together. Other strong bands called tendons connect muscles to bones. A hammer toe is a deformity of a toe. The joint between the first and second bones in the toe rises upwards. This causes the toe to look like a hammer. The ligaments and the tendons become tight and shorten. ‚
There are two types of hammer toes: ‚
- At first, you may be able to bend and straighten the toe. This is a flexible hammer toe.
- Over time, you may not be able to move the toe. This is a rigid or fixed hammer toe.
This problem is most common in the second toe. Often with a hammer toe, the skin thickens at the top of the toe. This is a corn. Thickness on the underside of the toe is a callus. The sooner you get treatment for a hammer toe, the better the outcome. ‚
What are the causes?
Tendons and ligaments get tight. This causes the toe to bend from pressure. This may happen from: ‚
- Wearing tight, narrow-toed shoes
- A bunion
- Arthritis
- High arch
- Injury to the toe
- Nerve or spinal cord problem
- Born with the problem
What can make this more likely to happen?
Hammer toes are more likely to happen in women who wear high heels often. Children who wear shoes that are too small may make them more likely to develop hammer toes. You are also more likely to have this problem if other family members have a hammer toe. Bunions, corns, and calluses may also increase your risk for this condition. ‚
What are the main signs?
- End of the toe is curled down and the middle toe joint is raised up
- Pain, especially when wearing shoes
- Less motion or no motion in the affected toe over time
- Corn or callus on the toe
- Redness and swelling around the toe
- Open sores or infection over areas with pressure
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will look at your toes and foot. Your doctor may move your toe or have you move your toe. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Your doctor may suggest you:
- Change shoe types to one with a wide toe. The shoe should also have no heel or a very low heel.
- Wear shoes 1/2 inch longer than your longest toe
- Use toe straighteners, splints, cushions, or pads
- Ice
- Exercises
- Surgery may be needed to correct a hammer toe.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Soften thick skin areas
What problems could happen?
- More deformity in the foot
- Trouble walking
- The hammer toe could become fixed and need surgery to correct it
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Avoid wearing high heels and tight shoes.
- Keep a healthy weight. Being overweight may put extra stress on your feet.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00160 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚