What is Hammer Toe?
Hammer toe is a deformity of the toe, in which the end of the toe is bent downward.
Alternative names
Causes
Hammer toe usually affects the second toe, although it may also affect the other toes. The toe goes into a claw-like position. The condition may occur as a result of pressure from a bunion . A corn on the top of a toe and a callus on the sole of the foot develop, which makes walking painful. The condition may be present at birth (congenital) or develop from wearing short, narrow shoes. Hammer toe also occurs in children who continue to wear shoes they have outgrown. The rare case in which...
What is Hammer Toe?
Hammer toe is a deformity of the toe, in which the end of the toe is bent downward.
Causes
Hammer toe usually affects the second toe, although it may also affect the other toes. The toe goes into a claw-like position. The condition may occur as a result of pressure from a bunion. A corn on the top of a toe and a callus on the sole of the foot develop, which makes walking painful.
The condition may be present at birth (congenital) or develop from wearing short, narrow shoes. Hammer toe also occurs in children who continue to wear shoes they have outgrown.
The rare case in which all toes seem to be involved may indicate a problem with the nerves or spinal cord.
Symptoms & Signs
- Callus forms on the sole of the foot
- Claw-like deformity of a toe
- Corn forms on the top of a toe
- Foot pain -- pain in the joint where the great toe joins the foot
Exams and Tests
A physical examination of the foot confirms hammer toe.
Treatments
Mild hammer toe in children can be treated with foot manipulation and splinting the affected toe. Wear the right size shoes or shoes with wide toe boxes for comfort and to avoid aggravating hammer toes.
Protect the protruding joint with corn pads or felt pads, corrective footwear, or other foot devices. Exercises may be helpful.
Severe hammer toe requires an operation to straighten the joint. The surgery may involve cutting or moving tendons, or fusing the joints of the toe together.
Prognosis
If the condition is treated early, you can often avoid surgery. Treatment will reduce pain and walking difficulty.
Possible Complications
- Foot deformity
- Posture changes caused by difficulty in walking
When to contact a medical professional
If you have hammer toe, call for an appointment with your health care provider for instructions on the best treatment.
Also call for an appointment if your pain gets worse or you have difficulty walking.
Prevention
Avoid wearing shoes that are too short or narrow. Check children's shoe sizes frequently, especially during periods of fast growth.
References
Badlissi F, Dunn JE, Link CL, Keysor JJ, McKinlay JB, Felson DT. Foot musculoskeletal disorders, pain, and foot-related functional limitation in older persons. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2005;53:1029-1033.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Review Date: .7/17/2008
Reviewed By: Andrew L. Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.7/17/2008
Posted On January 6, 2008 07:34:19 PM
Posted On January 6, 2008 07:39:14 PM
Posted On February 26, 2008 12:17:06 PM
Posted On March 1, 2008 09:40:02 AM
Posted On November 15, 2008 09:15:12 AM
Posted On March 9, 2009 02:57:08 PM
Posted On March 9, 2009 03:12:35 PM
Posted On April 10, 2008 02:33:00 PM
Posted On July 16, 2008 02:33:22 PM
Posted On July 16, 2008 02:53:14 PM
Posted On January 27, 2009 07:02:18 AM
Posted On January 28, 2009 09:21:53 AM
Posted On March 30, 2008 12:54:36 PM
Posted On March 30, 2008 03:19:38 PM
Posted On December 7, 2007 07:19:47 AM
Posted On July 30, 2008 10:38:19 AM
Posted On February 28, 2008 07:10:31 AM
Posted On February 28, 2008 11:08:26 AM
Posted On April 2, 2009 04:32:14 PM
Posted On April 2, 2009 02:47:43 PM
Posted On April 2, 2009 06:09:27 AM
Posted On April 2, 2009 08:11:12 AM
Posted On November 19, 2008 05:22:31 PM
Posted On November 19, 2008 05:25:58 PM
Posted On December 6, 2008 07:59:00 PM
Posted On July 31, 2008 07:32:47 AM
Posted On July 31, 2008 08:02:29 AM
Posted On March 27, 2009 10:42:40 AM
Posted On April 2, 2009 05:33:10 AM
Posted On May 6, 2009 12:29:00 PM
