Hammer toes are contracted toes that bend at the middle toe joint in the form of a hammerhead, due to plantar tendons (bottom of toe) being too tight and dorsal tendons (top of the toe) too loose.
Hard corns commonly develop on the top of the toes when they start to rub on the toe box of shoes that are too shallow for the contracted toe(s). Calluses can also develop on the bottom of the toes.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Claw toes
- Overlapping toes
Symptoms:
- Corns on top of toes
- Calluses on the underside of downward pointing toes
- Foot fatigue
- Pain at joint of the hammer toe
Signs to look for:
- Toes bunching together
- Toes contracting up and also pointing down
- Shoe vamp shows wear in spot of the hammer toe
- Corns on top of toes
- Calluses on the underside of downward pointing toes
Possible Causes:
- Found in many flat feet
- Heredity
- Arthritis, systemic and/or neurologic diseases
- Age related – the incidence rises with age
Goals:
- Restore balance and support
- Eliminate callusing and corns
- Footwear that moves the foot forward with as little lateral movement as possible
- Footwear with an adequate toe box
What We Do:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotics exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotics exercising support
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and steel shank
- Smart footwear, such as heel to toe rockers, negative heel footwear or shoes with titanium springs
- Shoes with stretchable uppers
- Avoid flip-flops. Only wear sandals with a back and only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand
- Wear pumps and high heels only as long as absolutely necessary
- Avoid going barefoot or on a minimal basis only
Other:
- Spot stretching with ball and ring stretcher
- Toe cushioning and straightening devices, such as toe separators, toe straighteners, toe caps, toe crests, etc.
- Regular callus filing with pumice device (leaving cutting of calluses to a physician only)
Activities:
Rotate weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or jogging, with non-weight bearing exercising, such as swimming or bicycling
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: dr.shoe.wordpress.com Text: Decker, Albert, Contemporary Pedorthics