Hammer Toe
Have you ever found yourself wondering why somebody’s toe might resemble a hammer? Surprisingly, this is an actual condition that poses health risks, especially for athletes who rely on agility and movement in their sports. Let’s take a deeper dive into it.
Before we dive into specific causes, symptoms, treatments, and precautions, it is important to explore its underlying anatomy and etiology. Hammer or retracted toes tend to occur at the first distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) of the toe near the flexor digitorum longus muscle (FDL).
The DIP joint is the last joint in the toe, closest to the toe nail. The flexor digitorum longus muscle is to the medial side of it (closer to the midline of the body).
Causes:
Poorly sized shoes: shoes that are too tight or small can increase the risk of hammer toe. Have your size measured professionally and choose footwear for proper comfort and movement.
High heels: prolonged use of high heels elevates the risk of developing hammer toes. The combination of height, awkward positioning, and limited toe space contributes to and aggravates the condition.
Lack of soft insoles: shoes without cushioned insoles fail to absorb ground pressure. Soft insoles provide better support, thus reducing the risk of discomfort and hammer toe development.
Neglecting shoe size updates: wearing shoes that are too small due to outdated sizing increases pressure on the toes. Regularly measure and update shoe sizes, particularly in growing children, to prevent hammer toe and ensure a proper fit.
Precautions:
The best way to treat an injury is to make sure it never happens in the first place. It is important to look into these specific precautions as they not only prevent hammer toe, but also a wide variety of other toe deformities and injuries
Wearing the right sized shoe (it is important to correctly measure your shoe size with a professional as people tend to underestimate their size). A major thing people tend to miss is that their running shoes need to be a bit bigger than their normal wear shoes as when you run, your foot expands due to the pressure placed upon the sole.
Avoid high heels as much as you can. High heels are the worst combination of elevation, crookedness and lack of space for your toes to function normally.
Making sure your shoes have soft insoles. As stated before, running causes your foot to expand. However, having soft insoles not only absorbs some pressure from the ground but also decreases the amount your foot expands.
Using corn pads or felt pads may also help when necessary as they help provide another layer of insole.
Keep your shoe size updated! Matter of fact, I am a victim of this. When children grow, parents often forget to remeasure their children’s shoe size, so kids end up wearing sizes too small for them. Keeping up to date with size helps prevent unnecessary pressure on your toes.
Symptoms:
Bent toe: The affected toe is bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer or claw.
Pain or discomfort: You may experience pain or discomfort in the affected toe, especially when wearing shoes or walking.
Corns or calluses: The bent toe can rub against shoes, causing the formation of corns or calluses at the top of the toe or on the ball of the foot.
Inflammation and redness: The affected toe and/or surrounding areas may become inflamed or red.
Limited range of motion: Hammer toe can lead to reduced ability to move the affected toe, making it difficult to flex or straighten.
Difficulty in finding appropriate footwear: Individuals with hammer toe may find it challenging to wear certain types of shoes, as the deformity alters the shape of the foot.
Conclusion:
In summary, hammer toes can originate from tight shoes and high heels, and can be problematic for athletes. Symptoms include discomfort and footwear issues. Key preventive measures involve proper shoe sizing, avoiding high heels, and regular footwear updates. Non-invasive treatments like exercises and padding can help, with surgery considered for severe cases. Overall, a proactive approach to understanding and managing hammer toe is essential for maintaining foot health.
Sources:
Staff, Familydoctor.org Editorial. “Hammer Toe - Prevention and Treatment.” Familydoctor.Org, 5 Oct. 2023, familydoctor.org/condition/hammer-toe/.
“Hammertoe and Mallet Toe.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Apr. 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hammertoe-and-mallet-toe/symptoms-causes/syc-20350839#:~:text=A%20hammertoe%20is%20curled%20due,the%20cause%20isn’t%20known.
“Hammer Toe: Comprehensive Guide - Orthoinfo - Aaos.” OrthoInfo, orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/hammer-toe/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2024.
professional, Cleveland Clinic medical. “How Do Podiatrists Fix Hammertoes?” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17038-hammertoes. Accessed 28 Jan. 2024.
