Hammer toe

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Hammer toe
Classification and external resources
A Mallet Toe is evident on the 3rd digit
ICD-10 M20.4, Q66.8
ICD-9 735.4, 755.66
MeSH 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.[1][2]

Contents

[edit] Causes

Hammer toe most often results from wearing poorly-fit shoes that can force the toe against their tip, such as excessively high heels or shoes that are too short or narrow for the foot. This can lead to dislocation of the bones and formation of a hammer toe, often found in conjunction with bunions 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.[citation needed]

[edit] 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.

[edit] References

  1. ^ American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  2. ^ Mayo Clinic, "Hammertoe and mallet toe"

[edit] External links

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