Hammer Toe: Symptoms, Causes, and Correction Options
Who would have thought that fashion could actually cause health risks? Actually, many of us do know that, the hard way.
Wearing dresses several sizes too small so that we can barely breathe, stiletto nails that prevent us from picking up things off the floor and killer heels that we can barely walk in.
These are just a few of the more common issues that looking good brings with it. One of the occupational hazards of fashion is the hammer toe.
What is The Hammer Toe?
As the name suggests, it is a condition which causes the afflicted foot to resemble a hammer, because one of the smaller toes is pressed in an awkward direction.
This malady can technically affect any toe but is usually associated with the second, third or the fourth toes. The affected toe curls in a downward direction, instead of pointing straight ahead.
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What Causes Hammer Toe?
Hammer toe is usually an affliction of the middle joint, such that the toe bends downward. This can happen due to one of the following ways:
- This can be a genetic factor wherein which is a common occurrence in the family. In that case, it is hardly a surprise if you too suffer from it.
- Trauma to the toe causes breakage of the bone.
- A condition causing a high foot arch.
- Heightened tightening of the ligaments and tendons.
- The most common causal agent, however, is ill-fitting footwear. Shoes with an excessively pointed front, which leave no room for the toes to move are largely responsible for this condition. In the absence of adequate space, the big toe and the small toe on either side begin to press inwards, exerting pressure on the other three toes.
- Damage to the spinal cord or to the nervous systems is also sometimes credited with this kind of ailment.
- In some cases, the toe muscles are not balanced properly which cause the smaller toes to contract.
Wearing extremely tight shoes can lead to the formation of blisters and ulcers, besides causing bone deformities like Haglund’s Deformity and Bend Toe. Also, advancing age and certain medical conditions also exacerbate the chances of developing this curled toe. Women, in particular, are more susceptible to this deformity of the toe.