Hammer Toes

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A hammer toe is a bending of either one or both joints of the lesser toes. This bending puts excessive pressure on the top of the toe causing problems.

• Mechanical- A muscle/tendon imbalance can cause the toe to bend
• Neurological causes- for example stroke or neuropathy
• Poor fitting Footwear
• Trauma
• Genetic
• Other deformities for example bunions can cause hammer toes

• Pain when wearing shoes
• Corns/callus may develop on the top of the toe, or the end of the toe due to pressure
• Inflammation and/or redness of the toe
• Fixed bending of the toe

• Removal of corns or callus
• Footwear advice
• Orthotic intervention for muscle imbalance
• Surgery maybe indicated if symptoms persist and the toe becomes increasingly painful