A hammertoe is a dislocation of the joint of any one of the toes. It is
described as a hammertoe because it bends under like a claw, or like the hammer
in a piano.
A corn or a callus usually will form either on the end of the toe or from shoe
pressure on the prominent portion of the toe. These types of toes can be
hereditary in nature, or the deformity can be the result of faulty foot
function. This deformity may be quite flexible at first but damage to the
affected joint eventually results in a rigid deformity.
Several types of treatment are available for this condition. Conservative care
would include trimming the corn or callus and padding to reduce shoe pressure.
However, this does not correct the hammered condition. The only way to correct
the deformity is with a minor surgical procedure, generally performed under
local anesthesia. In cases in which surgical intervention may not be advisable,
special types of shoes can be prescribed by your podiatrist in order to
accommodate the hammertoe condition.
Can a podiatrist easily relieve you of the continual suffering caused by
hammertoe? We make it easy for you to find out. Here's how...