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	<title>LIVESTRONG.COM Hammer Toe</title>
	<description>Improve your health, lifestyle, diet nutrition with Hammer Toe news, facts, tips, other information. Educate yourself about Hammer Toe help yourself and others live a more he...</description>
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		<title>How to Prevent Toes From Curling in Running Shoes</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/555042-how-to-prevent-toes-from-curling-in-running-shoes/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:39:42 -0800</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/555042-how-to-prevent-toes-from-curling-in-running-shoes/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Foot health and shoe comfort are critical factors for a runner.  Shoes that curl your toes can cause pain, corns, blisters and calluses. Toe curling can result from anatomical imbalances, muscle or bone weaknesses or shoe deficiencies.  Poor-fitting, worn and unsupportive running shoes can exacerbate problems with your feet.  To prevent toe curling, wear a shoe that fits properly and provides space for toe movement.]]></description>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Running After Hammer Toe Surgery</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/533078-running-after-hammer-toe-surgery/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 20:40:21 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/533078-running-after-hammer-toe-surgery/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A hammertoe is a deformity in one or more of the toes that causes the middle joint of the toe to bend. Running after undergoing a surgical procedure to deal with a hammertoe depends on the severity of the condition. Speak with your doctor before resuming your pre-surgery running program and follow the recovery guidelines she gives to you to promote rapid healing.]]></description>
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		<title>What Are Hammer Toe Exercises?</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/389329-what-are-hammer-toe-exercises/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Feb 2011 11:20:36 -0800</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/389329-what-are-hammer-toe-exercises/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hammer toes are toe deformities that usually occur in the second, third and fourth toes. Hammer toes are the result of a bending of the middle joint of your toes, which causes a hammer-like look to your toes. When caught early, hammer toes are still flexible. As a result, conservative treatment can be started. As part of this treatment, your doctor may recommend exercises that can help to strengthen and stretch your toe muscles.]]></description>
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		<title>Exercises to Straighten a Hammer Toe</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/383304-exercises-to-straighten-a-hammer-toe/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:24:58 -0800</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/383304-exercises-to-straighten-a-hammer-toe/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hammer toe is a condition where your toe bends down at the end like a claw. It usually happens on the second toe, and is often caused by wearing shoes that are too tight. Over time, it is painful to walk or wear shoes, and the toe can no longer be straightened. If the toe is still flexible, different exercises may help to straighten it back out.]]></description>
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		<title>Hammer Toes and Yoga</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/378550-hammer-toes-and-yoga/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 11:49:02 -0800</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/378550-hammer-toes-and-yoga/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A hammer toe is characterized by a noticeably raised middle joint on any toe. The hammer toe may develop corns or calluses because of the incessant rubbing of the joint on the shoe. Also, a hammer toe may cause a painful bunion to develop on the foot. MayoClinic.com recommends stretching the toes to help alleviate muscle stiffness and atrophy.]]></description>
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		<title>Workouts for Pain Relief of Hammer Toes</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/364846-workouts-for-pain-relief-of-hammer-toes/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:46:54 -0800</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/364846-workouts-for-pain-relief-of-hammer-toes/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The delicate bones of your toes can be subject to deformity if you frequently wear ill-fitting shoes or experience a muscle imbalance, such as from wearing too-high heels. The result is a hammertoe, which most commonly occurs on the second, third or fourth toes. The toe may appear crooked or misshapen and often has corn or callus on top of the toe. In addition to wearing roomier shoes, you also may wish to perform regular exercises to stretch and strengthen the toe muscles.]]></description>
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		<title>How to Care for Callouses From Hammer Toes</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/304454-how-to-care-for-callouses-from-hammer-toes/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Nov 2010 20:12:52 -0800</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/304454-how-to-care-for-callouses-from-hammer-toes/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hammer toes and callouses go hand-in-hand,  the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states. When you have hammer toes, the joints bend in unnatural ways, causing the toes to appear bent even when they are  fully-extended.  Because of the raised nature of the toes, shoes often don't fit properly and too much pressure and friction causes hardened areas of skin, or callouses. You'll need to treat your hammer toes in order to stop developing callouses. Nevertheless, in the short term, over-the-counter callous treatments can soften and remove the excess skin.]]></description>
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		<title>Stretches for Hammer Toe</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/303773-stretches-for-hammer-toe/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Nov 2010 06:22:56 -0800</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/303773-stretches-for-hammer-toe/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hammer toe is a condition in which the middle joint of a toe becomes fixed in a bent position. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS, your toe isn't necessarily frozen in a bent position and may benefit from stretching. Hammer toes may resolve themselves through stretching and appropriate footwear that does not put pressure on  them. Joints that do not heal themselves may require surgery to release the frozen joint.]]></description>
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		<title>Hammer Toes in Children</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/221856-hammer-toes-in-children/</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:12:47 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/221856-hammer-toes-in-children/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hammer toes are a foot deformity in which one or more toes are unnaturally bent into a claw-like position. In addition to negatively impacting the appearance of a child's foot, hammer toe typically leads to foot pain and difficulty walking. The condition requires medical attention, as hammer toe tends to worsen over time.]]></description>
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	<item>
		<title>How to Fix Hammer Toe On Children</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/219492-how-to-fix-hammer-toe-on-children/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:17:42 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/219492-how-to-fix-hammer-toe-on-children/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hammertoes are the result of birth defect, ill fitting shoes or pressure from bunions. Children's hammertoes are treated to effectively remove pressure and prevent future complications that could arise such as nerve damage. It is important to consult your pediatrician for treatment options when severe hammertoe is present. In cases of severe hammertoe, surgery is your only option. Mild to moderate hammertoe can be treated at home and with the help of a podiatrist or pediatrician.]]></description>
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	<item>
		<title>What Is Hammer Toe &#038; What Causes It?</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/170320-what-is-hammer-toe-what-causes-it/</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:27:18 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/170320-what-is-hammer-toe-what-causes-it/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A hammertoe has a kink or contracture in its second joint--called the proximal interphalangeal joint--that causes the toe to bend upward in the middle, giving it a hammer-like appearance. The raised part of the toe often rubs on shoes, leading to the formation of corns or calluses. Usually hammertoe affects the smaller toes, causing pain and interfering with the ability to walk normally.]]></description>
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	<item>
		<title>Complications of Hammer Toe Surgery</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/168818-complications-of-hammer-toe-surgery/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:41:23 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/168818-complications-of-hammer-toe-surgery/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hammer toe is a condition in which the middle joint of one of the smaller toes of the foot becomes bent up, giving the toe a clawlike appearance. MayoClinic.com reports that hammer toe causes pain and difficulty moving the toe. Over time, corns and calluses result from the toe rubbing against the inside of footwear. If hammer toe symptoms are severe enough, surgery may be recommended. Hammer toe surgery consists of removing bone from the bent joint and tightening and transferring tendons so that the toe is pulled down.]]></description>
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		<title>Side Effects of Hammer Toes</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/155628-side-effects-of-hammer-toes/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jun 2010 04:22:04 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/155628-side-effects-of-hammer-toes/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A hammer toe is a toe that is bent at the middle joint. This deformity most commonly affects the second, third or fourth toes. Tight-fitting shoes or a muscle imbalance can cause a hammer toe. Conservative measures can be used to treat hammer toes in the early stages. However, if untreated, surgery may be necessary, especially if the hammer toe causes severe side effects.]]></description>
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	<item>
		<title>How to Fix Shoes for Hammer Toes</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/136381-how-fix-shoes-hammer-toes/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 31 May 2010 19:46:28 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/136381-how-fix-shoes-hammer-toes/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A hammer toe is a defect of one of the middle three toes, in which the toe flexes abnormally at the middle joint and remains in that position. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons explains that chronic use of improperly fitting shoes and muscle imbalances can lead to hammer toes. Because of the corns, calluses and pain associated with hammer toes, shoes often need to be specially fixed to accommodate the affected toes. Even after modifications are made, some shoes may require special inserts or orthotics to accommodate a hammer toe.]]></description>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>What Are Hammer Toes?</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/132198-what-are-hammer-toes/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 26 May 2010 18:13:38 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/132198-what-are-hammer-toes/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A hammer toe develops when one of a person's middle toes has a bending or contracture at the first or second joint. It can occur on the second, third or fourth toe. This bend in the toe is a bony prominence that makes the toe look like the head of a hammer; hence the name "hammer toe." It is also called a claw toe.]]></description>
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		<title>How to Straighten Hammer Toes</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/62610-straighten-hammer-toes/</link>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:54:06 -0800</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/62610-straighten-hammer-toes/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hammer toes are caused when the tendons on the top and the bottom of the toe contract or become rigid. Typically, the second toe is most likely to be bent and to suffer from hammer toe syndrome. This can be quite painful, and if the toe is not straightened, the tendon could be permanently altered, requiring surgery to fix. Typical non-surgical treatment includes using a double toe straightener, which is a splint that holds the second and third toes together using two loops. The straightener has a pad which cushions the bottom of the foot.]]></description>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>How to Correct Hammer Toes</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/36863-correct-hammer-toes/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:06:26 -0800</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/36863-correct-hammer-toes/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hammer toe can be hereditary or secondary to a hallux valgus condition (bunions) or ill-fitting shoes. Hallus valgus often causes the first toe to crowd the second, usually causing changes in the adjacent toe, often resulting in a hammer deformity. Recognition and treatment of this condition must come at a young age to prevent permanent deformity. Even if you have hammer toes many things can still be done to reduce the pain and irritation once the deformity is present.]]></description>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>How to Get Rid of Hammer Toes</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/36164-rid-hammer-toes/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:12:16 -0800</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/36164-rid-hammer-toes/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, hammer toes refer to a deformity in your second , third or fourth toes. Your toes can be claw-like in appearance and you can have pain or difficulty moving the toe. A toe injury or medical condition such as diabetic neuropathy (damage to your nerves) can cause hammer toes. There are specific steps to get rid of hammer toes.]]></description>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>How to Fix Hammer Toes</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/32118-fix-hammer-toes/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:21:12 -0800</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/32118-fix-hammer-toes/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A hammertoe is easy to spot--it's characterized by a bent toe that curves in the middle of the toe at the joint, resembling the shape of a hammer. It most often strikes the second, third or fourth toe, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and requires prompt treatment to prevent surgical repair. If you catch a hammertoe early enough, you can take steps to treat it on your own. Hammertoes that have long gone untreated generally require surgery to fix.]]></description>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Causes of Hammer Toes</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/23438-causes-hammer-toes/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:52:10 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/23438-causes-hammer-toes/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hammertoe is a condition where any but the big toe starts to bend, causing the toe to curl up higher than any of your other toes. This bending can cause pain within the toe, and corns or calluses may form on the outside of the toe or on nearby areas of the foot. Hammertoe is sometimes called mallet toe, depending on which toe joints are involved. The resulting pain and inflammation usually gets worse without treatment. Fortunately, there are many things you can do in the early stages to help slow down or prevent the progression of this condition.]]></description>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Hammer Toe Exercises</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/17789-hammer-toe-exercises/</link>
		<pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2009 15:03:13 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/17789-hammer-toe-exercises/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When toes are normal, they extend straight out and have a natural downward curvature. But when hammer toes develop, they're bent to the side at the middle joint and generally occur in the second, third or fourth toe. They develop as a result of improper footwear in conjunction with the fact that the muscles in the toes can't stretch out. One treatment option is specific exercises.]]></description>
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	<item>
		<title>Hammertoe Health Video</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/video/1826-hammertoe-health-byte/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2008 05:11:21 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/video/1826-hammertoe-health-byte/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href='http://www.livestrong.com/video/1826-hammertoe-health-byte/'><img src='http://www.livestrong.com/ls_videos/thumbs/15284-1=Disease Hammertoe.jpg' /></a><br />Hammertoe is a deformation of the middle joint in a toe, which can be caused by poor footwear or muscle, nerve, or joint damage caused by another condition. Learn more about hammertoe, including symptoms and treatments, in this video.]]></description>
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		<title>Smart Shopping for Hammer Toe Cushions</title>
		<link>http://www.livestrong.com/article/413-smart-shopping-hammer-toe-cushions/</link>
		<pubDate>Sun, 23 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.livestrong.com/article/413-smart-shopping-hammer-toe-cushions/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ Hammer toe is a condition in which the middle toe joint does not straighten and the bent joint resembles a hammer. Not only can hammer toe be extremely uncomfortable, causing pain during walking or other types of exercise, but it can become worse if left unsupported.<br />
<br />
A hammer toe cushion is a teardrop-shaped pad that is designed to provide support underneath bent toes. Designed to be worn in a shoe, hammer toe cushions may be made out of foam, small pads or even gels. Most have a small strap, either elastic or adjustable, which is designed to fit over a toe in order to hold the pad in place all day. Hammer toe cushions are available over the counter and may be purchased at most pharmacies for less than $10.]]></description>
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