Hammer Toe – Flexible or
Rigid
A hammertoe is
a deformity in which the toe bends in a claw-like
position.
This deformity can be present in the second, third or
fourth toe; however, it is most common in the second
toe.
There are two forms of hammertoe, flexible
and rigid. With a flexible hammertoe the joint of the toe is
able to move, therefore, the toe is able to straighten
manually.
With a rigid hammertoe the joint of the toe
does not have the same mobility as the flexible hammertoe
resulting in limited movement and pain. Corns and calluses can
also form on the hammertoe due to the toe constantly rubbing on
the shoe.
There are several causes for hammertoe.
Wearing high heel shoes is one of the causes for hammertoe.
High heel shoes cause pressure on the front part of the foot
squishing the toes together, causing one or more toes to bend.
If the toes are bent and held in one position long enough the
muscles will tighten and be unable to stretch out even after
the shoe has been removed. This in turn, will start out as a
flexible hammer toe but eventually may result in a rigid hammer
toe.
Another cause of hammertoe is muscle
imbalance. This is where the ligaments and tendons become
unnaturally tight. As a result of this, the toe curls
downward giving it the claw-like appearance. Left
untreated this will also become a rigid hammertoe.
Arthritis can also be a cause of a hammertoe.
There are several treatments for
hammertoe. One is wearing properly fitting shoes with
plenty of room in the toe area and avoiding high heel
shoes.
Because tendons have tightened, another hammertoe
treatment is stretching exercises. Stretching the toe can help
lengthen the over tight tendon helping the toe to not bend
abnormally.
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Cautionary
Note: Not recommended for those with
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There are also over the counter straps and cushions
that can help straighten the toe and alleviate any pain
associated with hammer toe. If these measures fail to correct
the hammertoe, surgery may be another option.
A
hammertoe deformity can cause pain and
discomfort at the top part of the affected toe. Hammertoe can
be treated non-surgically if detected early. However if surgery
is required the outcome usually provides good
results.
More
On Hammer Toe...
Hammertoe Treatment
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