Hammer toe is a deformity of the toe, in which the end of the toe is bent downward.
Hammer toe usually affects the second toe. However, it may also affect the other toes. The toe moves into a claw-like position.
The most common cause of hammer toe is wearing short, narrow shoes that are too tight. The toe is forced into a bent position. Muscles and tendons in the toe tighten and become shorter.
Hammer toe is more likely to occur in:
Obviously, poorly controlled rheumatoid arthritis can lead to deformities of the joints, particularly the hands and feet. This in turn... Read more »
Who am I? I can barely recognize myself because the rheumatoid arthritis has severely deformed my hands, my feet and my legs. The first 50... Read more »
Interphalangeal Osteoarthritis Characterized by Painful, Inflammatory Episodes Resulting in Deformity of the Proximal and Distal... Read more »
Source: Harvard Decision Guide
Most health care professionals can diagnose hammertoe simply by examining your toes and feet. X-rays of the feet are not needed to diagnose... Read more »
Source: HealthCentral Encyclopedia
A hammertoe is marked by a contracture of the tendons, laxity of the ligaments, and angulation of the second and third phalanges of the... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
A contracture is a tightening of muscle, tendons, ligaments, or skin that prevents normal movement.See also:Becker's muscular dystrophyCerebral... Read more »
Source: eOrthopod
Surgery can be done for patients with long-term wear and tear from having knock-knees. This condition is called varus deformity. Dr. Frank Noyes, a... Read more »
Source: eOrthopod
There is a condition of the hip called femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) that can lead to early hip osteoarthritis. In an effort to prevent... Read more »