Hammer Toe

Hammer toes are a deformity affecting the three middle toes. There are three bones in each of these toes; the bone nearest to the foot points upwards and the two end bones point down. This exposes the joint to pressure and friction from footwear.  

The causes of hammer toe are various. It may be hereditary, or formed by the presence of Hallux Valgus where the big toe pushes the distal phalanx toward the foot, bending and exposing the toe joint. The big toe may ride underneath the second toe pushing the toe up into the shoe. If all three toes are affected then it is likely to be due to abnormal muscle or tendon structure. The biggest problem with this deformity is the production of lesions occurring on the top of the toe or at the end where it presses onto the floor or shoe. corns or bursitis can form so padding will be required to prevent this from happening

 In early cases hammer toe can be corrected by appropriate splinting and physiotherapy. In chronic conditions, tissue eventually adapts, the bones are fixed and rigid so surgery must be considered to correct the deformity if pain is unbearable.

 Note the red area on the joint, (caused by pressure) sometimes breakdown of tissue occurs.