A hammer toe is a toe that is contracted at the PIP joint (middle joint in the toe), potentially leading to severe pressure and pain. Ligaments and tendons that have tightened cause the toe’s joints to curl downwards. Hammer toes may occur in any toe except the big toe. There is often discomfort at the top part of the toe due to rubbing against the shoe.
Hammer toes are classified based on the mobility of the toe joints. There are two types – flexible and rigid. In a flexible hammer toe, the joint has the ability to move. This type of hammer toe can be straightened manually. A rigid hammer toe does not have that same ability to move. Movement is very limited and can be extremely painful. This sometimes causes foot movement to become restricted leading to extra stress at the ball-of-the-foot, and possibly causing pain and the development of corns and calluses.
Hammer toes result from a muscle, nerve, or joint damage resulting from conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or diabetes, which may result in the joint curling downward.
Our professionals at bookmyfeet.com will decide which treatment, and products designed to relieve hammer toes, such as hammer toe crests and hammer toe splints. These devices will help hold down the hammer toe and provide relief.
Supporting products are recommended to eliminate friction between the shoe and the toe, while providing comfort and lubrication.