In this blog, we will discuss hammertoes. This can be caused by deformities in the toes. In the following, we will elaborate on the subject of hammer toes: what exactly are they, what are the symptoms and causes. And perhaps most importantly: what can you do about it?
What exactly is a hammertoe?
As briefly explained above, hammertoe is a deformity in the toes. It usually occurs in the middle three toes, and not so often in the big or little toe. When you have a hammertoe, the first joint of the toe will be down and the second joint up.
Hammer toes are also regularly confused with claw toes. Hammer toes and claw toes are almost the same. The only difference between the two is that with claw toes, both phalanges grow crookedly and the front (tip) of the toe points downwards. This then forms a kind of \"claw\".
What are the symptoms of hammertoe?
As mentioned above, you can recognize hammer toes mainly by the shape of your toes. The shape becomes a kind of hammer. It also only occurs in the middle three toes. Because your toes have a special shape, they can rub against the bottom of your shoe. As a result, these areas can become very sensitive.
This extra friction can lead to the formation of calluses and corns. Small wounds can also occur. This mostly has consequences for people with diabetes.
What causes hammertoe?
Hammer toes can occur when you wear an ill-fitting shoe for a long period of time. However, it may take several years before you develop symptoms. Therefore, it is always wise to wear well-fitting shoes.
Another cause can be heredity. Some people may be born with a toe defect. This can only become noticeable after many years.
Hallux Valgus is also a common cause of hammer toes. In Hallux Valgus, the big toe is crooked. This can cause the big toe to press on the other toes in a crooked manner, resulting in hammer toes.
Treatment
There are several ways to treat this annoying complaint. First, you can buy insoles that correct your feet. However, it is important that you choose the correct insoles. Do you have a flat foot, hollow foot or collapsed foot? Podobrace has all these types of insoles for you to correct your foot. Have a look at our page insoles.
You can also use toe correctors. A toe corrector corrects your toe so that the complaints of hammer toes will eventually be much less. At Podobrace, we also have toe correctors that can remedy hammer toes. Have a look at our page.
Toe straighteners
All our insoles and toe straighteners have been carefully selected by our physiotherapists and are very effective against hammertoes.
Do you have more questions about hammer toes or about our products? Please do not hesitate to contact us, our physiotherapists will be happy to help you!
