Hammertoe is a deformity of the second, third, or fourth toes. In this condition, the toe is bent at the middle joint, causing it to resemble 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, and often also under the foot under the affected hammertoe joint known as the MTP joint. They may also feel pain in their toes or feet or under the ball of the foot and have difficulty finding comfortable shoes.
Causes of hammertoe include improperly fitting shoes and muscle imbalance and poor foot posture.
Treatment for the condition typically involves wearing shoes with soft, roomy toe boxes and toe exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles. Commercially available straps, cushions, or nonmedicated corn pads may also relieve symptoms.
Orthotic Insoles with metatarsal pads ( we will explain what a metatarsal pad is on an orthotic when you are seen for an assessment ) have proven fairly successful in reducing pain, reduce callouses under the foot, and making walking much more comfortable.
In severe cases, hammertoe surgery may be recommended to correct the deformity, and for such extreme cases, we ask you to see your doctor for a professional opinion and for a referral to an orthopedic surgeon.
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