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.
