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Hammer Toe(Hammertoe)
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionA hammer toe is a toe that stays bent at the middle joint. A flexible hammer toe can be straightened by hand. A rigid hammer toe cannot.
CausesIt is caused by an imbalance in the ligaments and muscle stabilizers of the toe. Risk FactorsThis problem is more common in older adults. Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
SymptomsProblems may be:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and health history. An exam of the toe will be done. This is enough to make the diagnosis. Images may be taken if the diagnosis is not certain. This can be done with an x-ray. TreatmentThe goal of treatment is to ease pressure on the toe. Choices are:
Some people with severe hammer toe may need surgery. Choices are:
PreventionHammer toe may be prevented by:
RESOURCES:American Podiatric Medical Association http://www.apma.org OrthoInfo—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.aaos.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://coa-aco.org Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:DiPreta JA. Metatarsalgia, lesser toe deformities, and associated disorders of the forefoot. Med Clin North Am. 2014 Mar;98(2):233-251.
Hammer toe. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hammer-toe. Updated March 30, 2015. Accessed May 7, 2020.
Hammertoe. Foot Health Facts—American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed May 7, 2020. Hammer toe. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated September 2012. Accessed May 7, 2020. Last reviewed February 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM Last Updated: 4/9/21 | |