Providing Answers To Hammertoe Surgery Questions
The Importance Of Taking Early Hammertoe Correction Steps
Hammertoes are toe deformities which occur in the lesser toes of the foot. As is the
case with the fingers, the toes each have three bones (phalanges). In a normal foot, the bones and the joints of the toes are straight. When afflicted with a hammertoe condition, the bones and joints become bent at the point where the first of the phalanges joins with the metatarsal of the foot. This is commonly referred to as the ball of the foot. At the first interphalangeal joint, there is a slight or full dislocation causing the bent appearance of the toe. This causes the toe to stick out or bend towards the other toes.
In some cases hammertoes may be severe and can make balance difficult or even cause problems walking. Even these small deformations can change the balance of pressure on the foot, and the additional pressure placed on other regions of the foot can lead to further bone and joint problems.
There are three other common toe problems which are often confused with hammertoes. A hammertoe will only occur on the first joint of the toe. If the deformity is located at the end of one of the smaller toes, at the last joint, it is a mallet toe. If more than one joint is affected on a toe, it is termed a clam toe. If the problem occurs on the big toe, it is called a trigger toe.
There are hereditary factors involved with these conditions and some people have a predisposition to develop the condition. The majority of cases however, are caused by wearing inappropriate footwear. Shoes which are too small and cramp the foot can cause this deformation over time.
There is a higher prevalence of hammertoes in women, as they tend to wear shoes which are narrower and tighter, putting the joints of the toe under a greater stress. High heeled shoes shift the weight to the ball of the foot and the joints of the toes suffer. In many studies on hammertoe patients it was found that over 90% of cases of hammertoes were the direct result of incorrect shoe size.
The key to hammertoe correction is in early identification of the problem. The major symptom of hammertoe formation is a deformation of the toe so that it becomes more prominent. Other symptoms include joint pain, swollen joints, inflammation, corns calluses and joint stiffness.
In many cases, toes can be straightened with the use of toe straighteners or pads worn between the toes. Toe splints are often worn to prevent the problem becoming more serious. Only in the most severe cases does hammertoe correction require surgery. If you are concerned about your toes, visit a podiatrist or your doctor for a full diagnosis.