A hammer toe is a deformity in which one or more of your toes bend at the middle joint, causing it to resemble a hammer. Specifically, the toe points down at the tip and curls up in the middle. This common foot condition can cause pain and discomfort, particularly when wearing shoes.
Here's a breakdown of hammer toes:
- Definition: A bend in the middle joint of one or more toes.
- Appearance: The affected toe looks bent upward at the middle joint, and the tip of the toe often points downward.
- Cause: Hammer toes develop due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that hold the toe straight.
- Symptoms:
- Pain and stiffness in the affected toe.
- Difficulty wiggling the toe.
- Corns or calluses on the top of the bent joint or the tip of the toe.
- Difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably.
- Common Factors: While the exact cause may vary, some common contributors include:
- Footwear: Shoes that are too tight or have high heels can force toes into a bent position.
- Genetics: Some people are predisposed to developing hammer toes due to their foot structure.
- Injury: A toe injury can make a hammer toe more likely.
- Medical Conditions: Certain conditions, such as arthritis, can contribute to the development of hammer toes.
