What is a hammer toe?
A hammer toe is a toe that is contracted at the middle joint of the toe, leading to severe pressure and pain. The portion of the toe that rubs against a shoe can also be very painful and irritated. Hammer toes can occur in any toe except the big toe.
What causes hammer toes?
Hammer toes are caused by a muscle imbalance that makes the ligaments and tendons of the foot unnaturally tight. The result of the tight ligaments is a toe joint that curls downward. Arthritis is a common cause of hammer toes.
How do I treat hammer toes?
There are several easy steps to relieving the pain caused by hammer toes. First, make sure you’re wearing shoes that won’t make the condition worse! Shoes should have a toe area that is high and broad so there’s less friction against the toes. Hammer toe crests and splints are also available, and will help hold the hammer toes down. Gel toe shields and gel toe caps can also help to eliminate friction between shoes and toes, as well as provide comfort.
A hammer toe is a toe that is contracted at the middle joint of the toe, leading to severe pressure and pain. The portion of the toe that rubs against a shoe can also be very painful and irritated. Hammer toes can occur in any toe except the big toe.
What causes hammer toes?
Hammer toes are caused by a muscle imbalance that makes the ligaments and tendons of the foot unnaturally tight. The result of the tight ligaments is a toe joint that curls downward. Arthritis is a common cause of hammer toes.
How do I treat hammer toes?
There are several easy steps to relieving the pain caused by hammer toes. First, make sure you’re wearing shoes that won’t make the condition worse! Shoes should have a toe area that is high and broad so there’s less friction against the toes. Hammer toe crests and splints are also available, and will help hold the hammer toes down. Gel toe shields and gel toe caps can also help to eliminate friction between shoes and toes, as well as provide comfort.
