Hammertoe is a deformity of the second, third, fourth and fifth toes. In this
condition, the toe is bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. Left untreated,
hammertoes can become inflexible and
require surgery. People with hammertoe may have corns or calluses on
the top of the middle joint of the toe or on the tip of the toe. They may also
feel pain in their toes or feet and have difficulty
finding comfortable shoes.
Causes of hammertoe include improperly fitting shoes and muscle imbalance.
Treatment for the condition typically involves shoes with soft, roomy toe boxes and orthotics, a prescription device use to control abnormal foot biomechanics. Commercially available straps, cushions or non-medicated corn pads may also relieve symptoms.
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| Only a small percentage of the population is born with foot problems. It's neglect and a lack of awareness of proper care - including ill fitting shoes - that bring on problems. |
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