Hammertoe
Hammertoe (pronounced: HAM-er-toe) is a deformity that causes a toe to bend or curl downward instead of pointing forward. This deformity can affect any toe on your foot, but it most often affects the second or third toe.
Etymology
The term "hammertoe" is derived from the appearance of the affected toe, which resembles a hammer or a claw.
Causes
Hammertoe is caused by an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. This imbalance can be due to several factors, including:
- Genetics: Some people are born with hammertoe or are more prone to developing it due to inherited traits.
- Footwear: Shoes that are too tight, too short, or high-heeled can force your toes into a bent position. Over time, the muscles and tendons in your toes may shorten and tighten, causing your toe to stay bent.
- Trauma: An injury or trauma to the toe can also lead to hammertoe.
- Arthritis: Certain types of arthritis can lead to hammertoe.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hammertoe include:
- A toe that bends downward
- Corns or calluses on the top of the middle joint of the toe or on the tip of the toe
- Pain in the toes or feet
- Difficulty walking
Treatment
Treatment for hammertoe can range from conservative measures such as wearing more comfortable shoes or using orthotic devices, to surgical procedures to correct the deformity.
Related Terms
- Mallet toe: A similar condition to hammertoe, but affects the joint nearest the toenail.
- Claw toe: Another similar condition, but it involves abnormal positions of all three joints in the toe.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hammertoe
- Wikipedia's article - Hammertoe
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