Definition
Hammer toes is the name given to a frequently occurring malpositioning of the toes. The middle joint of the toe is bent when stretched in the final joint of the toe, which leads to the shape of the toe that is reminiscent of a hammer. In particular, incorrect and too tight footwear leads to hammer toes.
Initially, these usually only represent a cosmetic problem. With further progress, however, strong pain can develop. A deterioration can be counteracted by various non-operative measures. In the end, however, hammer toes can only be repaired through surgery.
Causes
In most cases the cause of hammer toes is the wearing of wrong or too tight shoes for years. Especially the frequent wearing of high shoes is associated with an increased risk of hammer toes. Both high and tight shoes cause the toes to bump and bend at the front.
Another possible cause is already existing foot malpositions. Splay, buckling or flat feet in particular can contribute to the development of hammer toes. A rather rare but possible cause of such a toe deformity are accidents that have led to injury of the toes.
In addition, certain diseases of the nervous system and diabetes can also contribute to the development of hammer toes. A separate group of causes are diseases from the rheumatic form circle, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In some cases several causes are present in combination. In general, the development of hammer toes is promoted by weakness of the foot muscles. Lack of exercise and constant wearing of closed shoes are the main causes.
Symptoms
Initially, hammer toes are usually a purely cosmetic problem, so that a possible accompanying symptom may be a feeling of shame. This can lead to the fact that one does not wear open shoes, for example, or avoids activities where the feet could be seen by other people, such as going swimming. As the disease progresses, hammer toes usually develop pain as a typical accompanying symptom.
Painful horny calluses form on the toe joints as well as the now excessively strained areas on the forefoot. In the case of very advanced malpositioning of the toes, an accompanying symptom may be that normal shoes can no longer be worn because the toes may dislocate from the joints and protrude over the adjacent ones. These pronounced malpositions are usually characterized by additional severe pain. In extreme cases, the complaints are so severe that walking is restricted or even impossible.