Hammer toes occur when the lesser toes contract along the joint. Usually patients present with painful corns on the tops of the toes. Very thickened calluses may also form on the bottoms of the feet and cause pain and discomfort. Patients may also have difficulty finding shoes that properly fit because the toes are raised. Hammer toes occur overtime, but sometimes result from trauma. Genetics, foot structure and shoe choice all can contribute to the development of hammer toes.
Diagnosis is made with a thorough clinical exam and x rays. Treatment ranges from changes in shoegear to surgery, depending on the severity of the deformity and the patients pain.
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