Hammertoe is a deformity of the second toe, next to the big toe.
The joints of the toe bend up in a way that makes the toe look like it is forming an upside down "V". The joint of the toe that sticks up often bumps the top of the shoe. While hammertoes can develop on any toe, they usually occur in the second toe. Claw toes or mallet toes look a lot like hammertoes, but a different joint in the toe does the bending.
Hammertoes are not usually painful at first. When they start, they can be pushed down to the right position, so they are called flexible hammertoes. After a while, they will not go back to the normal position, even if pushed with the fingers. These are called rigid hammertoes.
Weak muscles in the foot cause hammertoes. When the muscles become weak, leg muscles that are stronger take over, and pull on the toe until it is deformed. The tendency for hammertoes can be inherited from family, or caused by an injury. Arthritis, diabetes and alcoholism are some of the other conditions that may cause the foot muscles to weaken. Wearing shoes that are too tight, short, or the heels too high can cause hammertoes.
A hammertoe may not hurt when it first starts. After a while, the toe will rub on the top of the shoe and cause pressure on the top of the bent toe. When this happens, a soft corn can form on the top of the joint. There may be swelling and redness at the joint. If a hammertoe becomes rigid, it may hurt to move the toe or it might not move at all. With a rigid hammertoe, a hard corn may form under the ball of the foot. This can be painful too.
When hammertoes first start and are still flexible, the healthcare provider may splint or tape the toe in the right position. Sometimes padding will be used to change where the weight falls when walking on the foot. It also helps to wear shoes with soft, roomy toe boxes. Tight shoes or shoes with high heels should be avoided. Toes and toe joints can be stretched with the fingers toward their normal positions. Exercise the toes by trying to pick up marbles or wadding up a towel on the floor with the toes.
If the hammertoes are rigid and cannot move, a special pad can be used to relieve the pressure on the ball of the foot. Shoes should be worn that have an extra deep toe box. A shoe repair shop can stretch a small pocket in regular shoes to make room for the hammertoe. Extra large loose shoes can be worn to help relieve the pain, but they do not cure the hammertoe. Once the hammertoe is rigid, it cannot go back to the normal position.
Hammertoe that causes severe pain may need to have surgery on it to remove the deformity.
The best prevention of hammertoes is wearing shoes that fit right. They should be wide enough and the toe box should be high enough to give the foot room to move. High heels over 2 inches should be avoided. If the toe starts to look like a hammertoe, buy shoes that have a high toe box.
A healthcare provider should be seen anytime there is foot pain.
Foot pain is not normal no matter how old a person is.
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