| Medical Encyclopedia: Hammertoe |
Definition
Hammertoe is a condition in which the toe is bent in a claw-like position. It can be present in more than one toe but is most common in the second toe.
Description
Hammertoe is described as a deformity in which the toes bend downward with the toe joint usually enlarged. Over time, the joint enlarges and stiffens as it rubs against shoes. Other foot structures involved include the overlying skin and blood vessels and nerves connected to the involved toes.
— Jeffrey P. Larson, RPT
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| Dictionary: ham·mer·toe |
| Food and Fitness: hammer toe |
A deformity in which the big toe is in a permanently flexed position. It is commonly caused by a weakness of the transverse arch of the foot and by wearing ill-fitting shoes. A painful corn may develop over the affected area.
| Sports Science and Medicine: hammer toe |
Deformity of the second toe, which becomes buckled as the proximal interphalangeal joint of the first phalanx is pointed upwards in a flexed position. It is usually caused by repeated bumping of the toe against the front of a shoe. If not treated, it may develop into a permanent condition because the tendons under the toe tighten and those above the toe loosen. A corn often develops on the top of the toe. The incidence of hammer toe is higher in those with a weak anterior transverse arch. Hammer toe can be avoided by wearing shoes that fit properly. It can be treated in the early stages by toe exercises and the application of a doughnut pad to reduce friction. Chronic cases that cause pain may require surgery.
| Wikipedia: Hammer toe |
| Hammer toe | |
|---|---|
| Classification and external resources | |
 A Mallet Toe is evident on the 3rd digit |
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| ICD-10 | M20.4, Q66.8 |
| ICD-9 | 735.4, 755.66 |
| MeSH | D037801 |
A hammer toe is a deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the second, third, or fourth toe causing it to be permanently bent, resembling a hammer. Mallet toe is a similar condition affecting the upper joint.[1][2]
Contents |
Hammer toe most frequently results from wearing poorly-fit shoes that can force the toe into a bent position, such as excessively high heels or shoes that are too short or narrow for the foot. Having the toes bent for long periods of time can cause the muscles in them to shorten, resulting in the hammer toe deformity. This is often found in conjunction with bunions or other foot problems. It can also be caused by muscle, nerve, or joint damage resulting from conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or diabetes.[3]
In many cases, conservative treatment consisting of physical therapy and new shoes with soft, spacious toe boxes is enough to resolve the condition, while in more severe or longstanding cases orthopedic surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity. The patient's doctor may also prescribe some toe exercises that can be done at home to stretch and strengthen the muscles. For example, the individual can gently stretch the toes manually, or use the toes to pick things up off the floor. While watching television or reading, one can put a towel flat under the feet and use the toes to crumple it.
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This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
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 | Medical Encyclopedia. © 2006 through a partnership of Answers Corporation. All rights reserved. Read more |
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| Dictionary. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Read more |
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| Food and Fitness. Food and Fitness: A Dictionary of Diet and Exercise. Copyright © 1997, 2003 by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. Read more |
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| Sports Science and Medicine. The Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine. Copyright © Michael Kent 1998, 2006, 2007. All rights reserved. Read more |
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| Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Hammer toe". Read more |
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