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Hammer toe

 

Hammer toe is a deformity of the toe. The end of the toe is bent downward.

Causes

Hammer toe most often affects the second toe. However, it may also affect the other toes. The toe moves into a claw-like position.

The most common cause of hammer toe is wearing short, narrow shoes that are too tight. The toe is forced into a bent position. Muscles and tendons in the toe tighten and become shorter.

Hammer toe is more likely to occur in:

  • Women who wear shoes that DO NOT fit well or often wear shoes with high heels
  • Children who wear shoes they have outgrown

The condition may be present at birth (congenital) or develop over time.

In rare cases, all of the toes are affected. This may be caused by a problem with the nerves or spinal cord.

Symptoms

 

The middle joint of the toe is bent. The end part of the toe bends down into a claw-like deformity. At first, you may be able to move and straighten the toe. Over time, you will no longer be able to move the toe. It will be painful.

A corn often forms on the top of the toe. A callus is found on the sole of the foot.

Walking or wearing shoes can be painful.

 

Exams and Tests

 

A physical exam of the foot confirms that you have hammer toe. The health care provider may find decreased and painful movement in the toes.

 

Treatment

 

Mild hammer toe in children can be treated by manipulating and splinting the affected toe.

The following changes in footwear may help relieve symptoms:

  • To avoid making the hammer toe worse, wear the right size shoes or shoes with a wide toe box for comfort
  • Avoid high heels as much as possible.
  • Wear shoes with soft insoles to relieve pressure on the toe.
  • Protect the joint that is sticking out with corn pads or felt pads.

A foot doctor can make foot devices called hammer toe regulators or straighteners for you. You can also buy them at the store.

Exercises may be helpful. You can try gentle stretching exercises if the toe is not already in a fixed position. Picking up a towel with your toes can help stretch and straighten the small muscles in the foot.

For severe hammer toe, you will need an operation to straighten the joint.

  • The surgery often involves cutting or moving tendons and ligaments.
  • Sometimes, the bones on each side of the joint need to be connected (fused) together.

Most of the time, you will go home on the same day as the surgery. You may be able to put weight on your heel to walk around during the recovery period. The toe may still be stiff after surgery, and it may be shorter.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

If the condition is treated early, you can often avoid surgery. Treatment will reduce pain and walking problems.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

If you have hammer toe, call your provider:

  • If you develop thick blisters or corns on your toes
  • If your pain gets worse
  • If you have difficulty walking or fitting into shoes comfortably

 

Prevention

 

Avoid wearing shoes that are too short or narrow. Check children's shoe sizes often, especially during periods of fast growth.

 

 

References

Montero DP. Hammer toe. In: Frontera, WR, Silver JK, Rizzo TD Jr, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation . 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 88.

Murphy AG. Lesser toe abnormalities. In: Canale ST, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics . 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2013:chap 8.3.

Winell JJ, Davidson RS. The foot and toes. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 674.

 
  • Hammer toe - illustration

    Hammer toe is a condition where a toe bends downward like a claw. You can be born with hammer toe or develop it from wearing short, narrow shoes. Symptoms of hammer toe include foot pain, calluses on the sole of the foot, or corns on the top of the toe. Treatment of mild cases and cases in children can include foot manipulation and splinting of the toe. More severe cases may need surgery to straighten the toe joint.

    Hammer toe

    illustration

    • Hammer toe - illustration

      Hammer toe is a condition where a toe bends downward like a claw. You can be born with hammer toe or develop it from wearing short, narrow shoes. Symptoms of hammer toe include foot pain, calluses on the sole of the foot, or corns on the top of the toe. Treatment of mild cases and cases in children can include foot manipulation and splinting of the toe. More severe cases may need surgery to straighten the toe joint.

      Hammer toe

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

         

        Review Date: 9/22/2016

        Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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