Hammer toes are commonly treated by podiatrists as they can be a source of pain in the feet. A hammer toe is a phrase that is commonly used to describe any sort of toe deformity, however a hammer toe is really a specific deformity of a toe. The hammer toe deformity generally only exists in one toe at what is called the proximal interphalangeal joint. This is actually the joint at the bottom of the toe and it points upward and also the end of the toe is directed down.

The main manifestation of any hammer toe will likely be when something like a corn occurs on top of the toe with the shoe pressure and becomes painful. This often comes about when you are wearing restricted footwear that applies pressure on the top as well as end of the toe. There could be a bursa that builds up below the corn or instead of the corn. Almost all of the symptoms that develop are due to pressure from the shoe on the toe. There could also be a callus which develops below the metatarsal head at the base of the toe on the ball of the foot. To begin with, a hammer toe is usually flexible, however, if longstanding it can be more rigid.

Hammer toes are caused by of potential causes. In most cases some people are simply biomechanically vulnerable to develop hammer toes suggesting an inherited element. Restricted shoes are a key factor in the reason for hammer toes. The actual restricted shoes in addition gives you the pressure which causes the signs and symptoms. It's also considered that weaker intrinsic muscles in the feet can also play a role in their progression.

Hammer toes prevention can be difficult as signs and symptoms do not usually begin until the concern is well established, so it's well on the way. The wearing of shoes that have extra room in the toebox could help the pain from the hammer toes or at least decrease its development.

There are many different approaches that podiatrists could take to treat a hammer toe. The first method this really is vital that you follow is suggestions concerning appropriate footwear. There should be the correct amount of space in the toe box in the shoes that will permit space for the toes to move without excessive pressure on them. When a corn is present on the toe then that will have to be dealt with. In early stages if the toe is still flexible, it could be possible to use braces or tape in an attempt to support the toe in a fixed posture. Unless the shoes are correctly fitted then that can often be unsuccessful. Podiatrists frequently use padding so you can get pressure off of the toe to help the symptoms. If these types of traditional methods are not successful at improving the symptoms, then surgical procedures are often a good option. Surgical procedures to fix a hammer toe might be performed as a day treatment if required. There are various various kinds of procedures which can be used with regards to the foot structure and if the deformity is flexible or stiff. For people who have a hammer toe which is causing pain, then visit a podiatrist.