Hammer
toe |
Information
for health
professionals
on hammer
toes |
A hammer toe is a term that is
commonly used to describe any type of toe deformity. It is a common
problem that may or may not be a problem.
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What does
a hammer toe look like: |
In a hammertoe the deformity usually
exists in one toe (at the proximal inter phalangeal joint) - the
base of the toe points upward and the end of the toe points down.
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Hammer toe
symptoms: |
The symptoms of a hammer toe are
usually first noticed when a corn
develops on the top of the toe and becomes painful, usually when
wearing tight shoes. There may be a bursa under the corn or instead
of a corn, depending on the pressure. Most of the symptoms are due
to pressure from footwear on the toe. There may be a callus
under the metatarsal head at the base of the toe. Initially a hammer
toe is usually flexible, but when longstanding it becomes more rigid. |
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What causes
hammer toes: |
Hammer toes can be due
to a number of things. Several factors are known to increase the
risk of developing hammer toes:
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Prevention
of hammer toes: |
Prevention of a hammer toe can
be difficult as symptoms do not usually start until the problem
is well established. Wearing shoes
that have extra room in the toes may help the problem or slow down
its development. |
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Treatment
of hammer toes: |
A number of approaches
can be undertaken to the manage a hammer toe:
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Hammer toe
surgery: |
Surgery to correct for a hammertoe
may be performed as a day procedure. There are several different
types of procedures that can be used depending on the foot structure
and if the deformity is flexible or rigid. |
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Links of
relevance to the hammer toe: |
Bunions
Archies
Find
a Podiatrist
Ask
a question in the foot health forum about hammer toe |
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BUy foot
care products to help hammer toes: |
USA & Canada: |
UK & Europe: |
Australia & NZ: |
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Coming |
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ePodiatry is purely
a source of information on the hammer toe should at no time be considered
as replacing the expertise of a health professional. We recommend
seeking professional advice for hammer toes and any foot problem
before embarking on any form of self treatment or management. Neither
the content or any other service provided through ePodiatry is intended
to be relied on for medical diagnosis or treatment. Do not delay
in seeking health professional advice for hammer toes or any other
foot problem because of something seen on ePodiatry. |
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©2003. The
information contained on this page about hammer toe is subject to
copyright. No part of the information about hammer toes contained
on this page can be reproduced in any form without the permission
of ePodiatry. |
Hammer
toes
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