Hammer Toes |

Hammer toes are a deformity of the toes that occurs when the middle joint of a toe becomes bent downward, resembling the shape of a hammer. This condition typically affects the second, third, or fourth toes and can range from mild to severe, and from flexible to rigid, causing discomfort, problems with shoe fitting and difficulty in walking.

Causes of a hammer toe

The causes of a hammer toe is multi-factorial. There is no doubt that the wearing of shoes that are too short and too tight put pressure on the toe to make it hammer. There is also a hereditary component to it as well as they tend to run in families. Issues with poor foot biomechanics and the angle of pull of different muscles are also considered to be factors.

Treatment of a hammer toe

Rule #1: get into footwear that is longer and deeper so there is no pressure on the toe.

If there are any corns or other pressure lesions on the toe, you may want to try padding or toe foam to protect the painful area or see a Podiatrist to have them managed more professionally. It there is a corn on the end of the toe, then consider the toe prop to lift the end of the toe off the ground.

The Budin Toe Splint can be used if the toe is flexible to try and improve the alignment of the toe. An adjustable hammer toe corrector can be worn in the shoe or at night. This is really good at holding the toe in a more correct straighter position. The toe corrector or toe straightener can be used is more than one toe is involved. Also consider using the toe separator socks during the night to work on improving the function of the toes.

Using your hands to move and mobilise the toe and joints is not going to fix a hammer toe, but keeping the joints mobile and flexible is a good thing and increases the chance of other methods helping to improve the alignment of toe.

Most treatments for a hammer toe could fail if you do not follow rule #1 (see above).