What is the difference to a claw toe?
The terms hammer toe and claw toe are often confused or both are used in the same way. However, there are differences that define the two forms of toe deformations. In the claw toe, there is an overextension in the metatarsophalangeal joint between the metatarsal bone and the first phalanx.
The metatarsophalangeal joint and the distal joint of the toe are flexed. In contrast, only the metatarsophalangeal joint of a hammer toe is flexed and the metatarsophalangeal joint is overstretched. From this results as further difference that the claw-toes often don’t touch the ground any more when standing, the hammer-toes on the other hand already touch the ground. In some cases, however, a clear distinction is not possible. In the case of severe deformities, it is often no longer possible to tell whether they originate from hammer toes or claw toes.
What consequences do hammer toes have for the whole body?
Hammer toes are primarily a problem limited to the feet. Apart from cosmetic aspects, they do not cause any discomfort at first and can at most lead to the fact that one does not want to show one’s feet out of shame and therefore avoids leisure activities such as going to the swimming pool.In the further course of the disease, hammer toes often cause pain, which can ultimately lead to significant consequences for the rest of the body. Since the pain is especially felt when walking, hammer toes can cause you to move less.
However, physical activity is very important for the health of almost all organ systems. Lack of exercise increases the risk of many diseases. Anyone who suffers pain due to hammer toes and is therefore restricted in their activity should seek treatment in good time to prevent consequences for the rest of the body.
Prognosis
The prognosis of hammer toes depends primarily on what measures are taken to influence their development. As a rule, a slow but steadily progressing course of the disease can be observed with increasing deformity of the toes. This is especially the case if the underlying causes are not changed.
If, for example, tight or high shoes are frequently worn, the toe deformity usually continues to increase. However, if non-surgical measures such as gymnastics or occasional barefoot walking are performed, a deterioration of the hammer toes can be counteracted. However, once existing changes cannot be reversed in this way.
Without surgery, the prognosis is therefore poor. In the best case, however, the malpositioning can be completely cured by an intervention.
