What is a hammer toe?

A hammer toe is a joint deformity that occurs in the second, third or fourth toe. It is described as a hammer toe because the toe looks bent. If your toe is still flexible, you have a mild case of hammer toe. If your toe is rigid and hard to move, it is a more severe case of hammer toe.

What causes a hammer toe?

As is the case with most foot problems, a hammer toe usually is the result of shoes that are too tight. The constant pressure applied to your toes causes toes to bend over time. Basically, a hammer toe forms because your toes are cramped inside shoes for long periods of time. High heels, especially, can lead to hammer toes. Symptoms of a hammer toe include foot pain, corns and calluses.

How can I treat a hammer toe?

If a hammer toe is not treated, it will only get worst. You can treat a hammer toe simply by choosing shoes that fit comfortably. This means that high heels, pointy shoes and shoes that are too narrow or short should be avoided so that your foot condition gets better. Apply non-medicated pads to the corns on your feet until they go away. Soaking your feet in warm water for 15 minutes daily will help to remove calluses. Toe exercises are also very helpful. Practice stretching your toes out or try picking items off of the floor with your foot. Depending on the severity of your hammer toe, you may have to go through physical therapy or undergo surgery. Find out what my favorite bloggers have to say about treating hammer toes:

Foot-care.org-Relief for Hammer Toes

Foot Blog- Hammer Toe Implants

Northcoast Foot Care-What is a Hammer Toe?

Foot Care Advice Blog- Hammer Toe Surgery

Foot.com-Causes of Hammer Toes

Foot Care Direct-Hammer Toes/Bone Spurs

Fixing Your Feet-Reducing Friction with Patches

Image courtesy of nytimes.com

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