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Hammertoe and mallet toe
Hammertoe Deformity - Hammertoe deformity is the most common deformity of the lesser toes. It primarily comprises flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the toe with hyperextension of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints. A hammertoe is a toe that's curled due to a bend in the middle joint of a toe. When you think of a hammertoe, it's common to picture shoes that are too short or heels that are too high. Under these conditions, your toe may be forced against the front of your shoe, resulting in an unnatural bending of your toe. When hammertoe occurs, your toe may press against the top of the toe box of your shoe, causing pain and pressure. In addition, you may have pain from a hard growth of skin (corn) on the top of your toe that can form where your toe rubs against your shoe. Pain may also result from calluses that develop under the tip of your toe or on the ball of your foot.
Unlike a bunion, which affects only your big toe, hammertoe can affect any toe. Most commonly, it occurs in your second toe. Generally, both joints of the toe are affected, causing your toe to bend upward in the middle, giving it a hammer-like or claw-like appearance. The differences between hammertoe and mallet toe are subtle. A mallet toe has a deformity at the end of the toe that gives the toe a mallet-like appearance. Self-care Wearing proper footwear may ease your foot pain. Low-heeled shoes with a deep toe box and flexible material covering the toes may help. Make sure there's a half-inch of space between your longest toe and the inside tip of your shoe. Allowing adequate space for your toes will help relieve pressure and pain. In addition, your doctor may suggest exercises you can do at home or at work to strengthen your toe muscles. These may include:
Don't try to remove a corn on your own using such methods as over-the-counter acid treatment, cutting or shaving. Home treatments can cause serious problems if you have diabetes or poor circulation. Breaking the skin could result in an infection — in some cases, an infection serious enough to require amputation. Hammertoe and mallet toe > 1 > 2 > 3 > 4
Related Site: Treatments Treatments Programs:
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