Hammer toes primarily hurt due to the development of hard skin over the raised joints, leading to corns and calluses.
Understanding Hammer Toes and Pain
Hammer toe is a condition where a toe bends abnormally at the middle joint. This bent position often leads to discomfort, and here's why:
The Root Cause of Pain
- Corns and Calluses: The primary reason for pain in hammer toes is the formation of corns and calluses.
- These develop due to the constant rubbing and pressure exerted on the bent joint against shoes.
- The friction causes the skin to thicken and harden, creating painful areas.
Other Contributing Factors
While corns and calluses are the main culprits, other issues may contribute to hammer toe pain:
- Ulceration: Although less common, there's a risk of skin ulceration on the affected area, which can be extremely painful.
- Inflammation: The constant pressure and friction may also lead to inflammation in and around the joint, increasing pain.
Table: Summary of Hammer Toe Pain Causes
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Corns and Calluses | Thickened, hardened skin due to pressure and friction against shoes. |
| Ulceration | Open sores or wounds on the skin, a less common but severe cause of pain. |
| Inflammation | Swelling and pain around the affected joint due to irritation. |
Managing Hammer Toe Pain
Here are some ways to alleviate pain caused by hammer toes:
- Footwear:
- Wear comfortable, wide-toed shoes that do not squeeze the toes.
- Avoid shoes with high heels or pointy toes.
- Splints:
- Mild cases may be helped with rubber, leather, or silicone splints.
- These splints can help align the toe and reduce pressure points.
- Padding:
- Use protective pads or cushions to reduce friction and pressure on the corns and calluses.
- Professional Care:
- See a podiatrist for more severe cases, who might recommend custom orthotics or other treatments.
Example
For instance, if you wear tight shoes all day and have a hammer toe, the bent joint will rub against the shoe. This causes a hard skin build up, resulting in a painful corn. This highlights the importance of choosing the right footwear and other measures like padding.
