Hammer
Toe
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Definition
Hammer
toe
is
a
deformity
of
the
toe
in
which
the
end
of
the
toe
is
bent
downward.
Cause
Hammer
toe
usually
affects
the
second
toe,
although
it
can
also
affect
the
other
toes.
The
toe
assumes
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.
A
high
foot
arch
may
also
develop.
The
condition
may
be
congenital
(present
at
birth)
or
acquired
by
wearing
short,
narrow
shoes.
The
condition
can
also
occur
in
children
who
continue
to
wear
shows
that
they
have
outgrown.
Symptoms
claw-like
deformity
of
a
toe
corn
formation
on
the
top
of
a
toe
callus
formation
on
the
sole
of
the
foot
foot
pain
--
pain
in
the
joint
where
the
great
toe
joins
the
foot
(MTP
joint)
Signs
and
Tests
A
physical
examination
of
the
foot
confirms
the
presence
of
hammer
toe.
Treatment
Mild
hammer
toe
and
cases
in
children
can
be
treated
with
foot
manipulation
and
splinting
the
affected
toe.
Properly
sized
footwear
or
wide
toe-box
shoes
usually
provide
comfort
and
can
accomodate
hammer
toes.
The
protruding
joint
can
be
protected
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
transfering
tendons
or
fusing
the
joints
of
the
toe
together.
Expectations
(prognosis)
If
the
condition
is
treated
early,
surgery
can
often
be
avoided.
Treatment
will
reduce
the
associated
pain
and
difficulty
with
walking.
Complications
foot
deformity
posture
changes
resulting
from
difficulty
in
walking
Prevention
Avoid
wearing
shoes
that
are
too
short
or
narrow.
Check
children's
shoe
sizes
frequently,
especially
during
periods
of
rapid
growth.
Recommendation
Flexifly™
Anatomical
Regular
Orthotic
Flexifly™
High
Arch
Orthotics
Flexifly™
Anatomical
Sport
Generation
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Dress
Orthotics
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Casual
Orthotics
w/
metatarsal,
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Cover
The
content
is
not
intended
to
be
a
substitute
for
professional
medical
advice,
diagnosis,
or
treatment.
Always
seek
the
advice
of
your
physician
with
any
questions
you
may
have
regarding
a
medical
condition.
This
site
does
not
provide
medical
advice.
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