Each of the smaller toes (phalanges) have two joints, called the interphalangeal joints (IPJ). The proximal IPJ is the one closest to the body and the distal IPJ is the joint closest to the end of the toe. A “Hammer toe” refers to any of the three middle toes in which the proximal IPJ is plantarflexed (bent downwards) whilst the distal IPJ is either straight or dorsiflexed (bent upwards). In the early stages the deformity may be flexible but often becomes fixed in later years. In severe cases a toe may cross over another toe and is appropiately named “crossover toe”.
Causes of hammer toe relate to structural problems such as hallux-valgus (where the large toe moves side-ways toward the 2nd toe) or Morton’s Toe, where the 2nd toe is longer than the big toe. Functional problems such as over-pronation (excess inward rolling-over of the foot and ankle) or a high arched foot type (pes-cavus) are also causative factors.
For many years podiatrists have prescribed orthotics (prescription foot supports) for adults with this problem to control the underlying poor foot posture. Sometimes surgery will be necessary to straighten out the toe, which can be performed by a podiatric surgeon or orthopaedic surgeon.
Hammer Toes
Each of the smaller toes (phalanges) have two joints, called the interphalangeal joints (IPJ). The proximal IPJ is the one closest to the body and the distal IPJ is the joint closest to the end of the toe. A “Hammer toe” refers to any of the three middle toes in which the proximal IPJ is plantarflexed (bent downwards) whilst the distal IPJ is either straight or dorsiflexed (bent upwards). In the early stages the deformity may be flexible but often becomes fixed in later years. In severe cases a toe may cross over another toe and is appropiately named “crossover toe”.
Causes of hammer toe relate to structural problems such as hallux-valgus (where the large toe moves side-ways toward the 2nd toe) or Morton’s Toe, where the 2nd toe is longer than the big toe. Functional problems such as over-pronation (excess inward rolling-over of the foot and ankle) or a high arched foot type (pes-cavus) are also causative factors.
For many years podiatrists have prescribed orthotics (prescription foot supports) for adults with this problem to control the underlying poor foot posture. Sometimes surgery will be necessary to straighten out the toe, which can be performed by a podiatric surgeon or orthopaedic surgeon.