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Hammer toe can be amongst the most painful conditions that could affect your feel. It is a common deformity that usually affects only one toe, the one next to your big toe. as with many foot deformities here is often evidence of a family history. Curly toes and long toes which end up as hammer toes are often inherited. The toe becomes bunched up so that the top of the toe may rub against the shoe. Hard skin develops where it rubs and this may become red and painful to the extent that you cannot bear to your shoes on and every shopping expedition becomes agony.

All the toes—apart from the big toe—contain three small bones with joints between them. If you take off your shoes and look at your toes, you will see that when you push the end of the toe next to your big toe in towards your foot, the toe concertinas at the joints and buckles up. This can happen if your shoes are too cramped at the front, or if the toe is too long. It can also happen if there is some imbalance of the small muscles of the foot which are designed to keep the toes straight.

TREATMENT

This condition is not dangerous. It does not require treatment unless it is causing symptoms due to rubbing on the shoe. It may be sufficient just to stick a protective felt pad over the top of the joint to prevent it rubbing. A visit to the chiropodist may be helpful as he can remove any hard skin which may have developed on the toe.

It may also be sensible, if expensive, to throw away all your shoes and buy new ones which may be a different length or fitting. Beware of very high heels: they will throw the weight on the toes and make a hammer toe more painful. Thong sandals are likely to be more comfortable than those with straps running across the toes. Be very careful with foot hygiene also, since an infected toe can make the original condition worse. Keep toe-nails short, the cuticles tended and bathe the feet regularly, especially at night to help soothe the aches.

With children, care should be taken right from the time they wear their first shoes that these are properly fitted by an experienced assistant and that the size leaves room for developing feet. Do not let children grow out of their shoes, but buy a new pair in plenty of time. Young children never complain when their shoes are too small—their toes simply curl over—and this is where the trouble starts. In adolescence, try to encourage the child to buy well-fitting shoes that are long enough and wide enough.

SURGERY




Unfortunately, once the toe joint becomes deformed, the tissues and ligaments surrounding it tighten up and cannot be loosened. A hammer toe thus can only be cured by surgery. This is advised of the pain is really severe. It is a short operation involving the straightening of the bent joint by cutting it out. Sometimes a stiff wire may be pushed through to keep it straight. After four to six weeks it is pulled out—painlessly—leaving the toe straight and shorter than it was. The toe no longer rubs and is pain-free.