Hammer toe is caused by tight shoes that force the toe into a flexed position, shortening the muscles and tendons. It most commonly affects the second toe, causing it to rotate downward into a claw-like position. Mild cases in children can be treated with foot manipulation and splinting, while wearing properly fitting shoes can help prevent worsening. For more severe cases, podiatrists may recommend straightening devices, exercises, or surgery to straighten the joint.

1. Causes and treatment of Hammer or claw toes.

2.  A hammer or claw toe can easily be recognized on the
outside. Because a hammer claw or toe is created by
ligaments and tendons, and not through the bone,
there may be little more on an x-ray can be seen. Often
still an X-ray of the entire foot for any problems related
to the bone to be determined. The Hammer toe usually
affects the second toe, but can also affect the other
toes. The the toe rotates downward into a position like
a claw.
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3. The most common cause of hammer toe is to use short,
narrow shoes that are too tight. The toe is forced into a
flexed position. The muscles and tendons in the toe tighten
and become shorter.
The hammer toe is more likely to occur in:
Women who wear ill-fitting shoes or high heels having
Children continue using shoes that fit small
The condition may be present at birth (congenital) or develop
over time.
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4.  Mild cases of hammer toe in children can be treated with foot manipulation and
splinting the affected toe.
 Wear the appropriate size or wide shoes for comfort and to prevent worsening of the
deformity.
 Avoid high heels if possible.
 Wear soft insoles to relieve pressure on the toe.
 Protect the protruding joint with corn pads or felt pads.
 A podiatrist can develop devices for the feet called straightener’s or regulators for
hammer toe or you can buy them in a store.
 Exercises can help. You can try gentle stretching exercises if the toe is not already in a
fixed position. Pick up a towel with your toes can help stretch and straighten the small
muscles in the foot.
 For a bad case of hammer toe, you may need an operation to straighten the joint.
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5.  This presentation on hammer toes provided by foot-
disorders.com
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