Hammer Toe

Usually hammer toe occurs in the second toe, but all of them can be affected. This condition is described well by its name; the toe is bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. In the beginning the deformity will be flexible, but if it persists without being treated, eventually it will become fixed and you will need surgery.

Calluses may develop on the top of your hammer toe joint, or on the tip. It will become hard to find comfortably fitting shoes.

Common hammer toe causes:

• Shoes that don't fit properly (narrow toes, high heels)
• Muscle imbalance
• High foot arch
• Genetics
• Nerve disorder

Treatment of hammer toe:

• Don't wear high heels or shoes with a narrow forefoot! Having your weight push your toes forward even further, bunching up at the end, is often what causes this condition, and will not help at all to heal it.
• Wear more comfortable shoes. Make sure the toe area is high (not lower than the heel) and broad. If it has enough room for your hammer toe to fit comfortably without pressure, then the shoe is a good fit! Shoes should be one-half inch longer than your longest toe.
• You can also procure hammer toe splints and hammer toe crests to help relieve this condition.
• Gel toe shields and toe caps help eliminate friction between the shoe and toe, which provides comfort and lubrication.
• Exercises! Stretch your toes manually back into the normal joint position. Pick things up with your toes. While reading or watching TV, lay a towel out flat on the ground, and use your toes to crumple it.
• Doctors may recommend commercially marketed straps, cushions or nonmedicated corn pads.
• Always talk to your doctor before attempting to self treat if you have diabetes, lack of feeling in your feet or poor circulation.
• Surgery may be necessary if the above conservative measures don't succeed.