Hammer toe
975353
225503894
2008-07-14T01:14:21Z
76.200.171.17
/* Causes */
{{Infobox_Disease |
Name = Hammer toe |
Image =toe 008.jpg |
Caption =A Mallet Toe is evident on the 3rd digit |
DiseasesDB = |
ICD10 = {{ICD10|M|20|4|m|20}}, {{ICD10|Q|66|8|q|65}} |
ICD9 = {{ICD9|735.4}}, {{ICD9|755.66}} |
ICDO = |
OMIM = |
MedlinePlus = |
eMedicineSubj = |
eMedicineTopic = |
MeshID = D037801 |
}}
A '''hammer toe''' is a [[deformity]] of the middle joint of the second, third, or fourth [[toe]] causing it to be permanently bent, resembling a [[hammer]]. '''Mallet toe''' is a similar condition affecting the upper joint.<ref>[http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00160&return_link=0 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons]</ref><ref>[http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hammertoe-and-mallet-toe/DS00480 Mayo Clinic, "Hammertoe and mallet toe"]</ref>
==Causes==
Hammer toe most often results from wearing poorly-fit [[shoe]]s that can force the toe into a bent position, such as excessively [[high heels]] or shoes that are too short or narrow for the foot. Having the toes bent for long periods of time can cause the muscles in them to shorten causing the hammer toe deformity. This is often found in conjunction with [[bunion]]s or other foot problems. It can also be caused by muscle, nerve, or joint damage resulting from conditions such as [[osteoarthritis]], [[rheumatoid arthritis]], [[stroke]], [[Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease]] or [[diabetes]].{{Fact|date=March 2008}}
==Treatment==
In many cases, conservative treatment consisting of [[physical therapy]] and new shoes with soft, spacious toe boxes is enough to resolve the condition, while in more severe or longstanding cases [[orthopedic surgery]] may be necessary to correct the deformity.
Your doctor may also prescribe some toe exercises that you can do at home to stretch and strengthen the muscles. For example, you can gently stretch the toes manually. You can use your toes to pick things up off the floor. While you watch television or read, you can put a towel flat under your feet and use your toes to crumple it.
==References==
<references/>
==External links==
*[http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=241 Hammer Toe - American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons]
{{Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue}}
{{Congenital malformations and deformations of musculoskeletal system}}
[[Category:Foot]]
[[Category:Podiatry]]
[[de:Hammerzehe]]
[[es:Dedo en martillo]]