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Hammer Toe


Hammer toe - foot doctor - podiatrist
Patient Education Videos
A hammer toe or contracted toe is a deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the second, third, fourth or fifth toe causing it to be permanently bent, resembling a hammer. Mallet toe is a similar condition affecting the distal interphalangeal joint.

Claw toe is another similar condition, with dorsiflexion of the proximal phalanx on the lesser metatarsophalangeal joint, combined with flexion of both the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints. Claw toe can affect the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes.


Hammer toe most frequently results from wearing poorly fitting shoes 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, resulting in the hammer toe deformity. This is often found in conjunction with bunions or other foot problems (e.g., a bunion can force the big toe to turn inward and push the other toes). It can also be caused by muscle, nerve, or joint damage resulting from conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, complex regional pain syndrome or diabetes.  

​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 podiatric surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity. The patient's doctor may also prescribe some toe exercises that can be done at home to stretch and strengthen the muscles. For example, the individual can gently stretch the toes manually, or use the toes to pick things up off the floor. While watching television or reading, one can put a towel flat under the feet and use the toes to crumple it. The doctor can also prescribe a brace that pushes down on the toes to force them to stretch out their muscles.

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ROCHESTER, NY 14623
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The Foot Doctor - Dr. Ronald Gmerek
Phone: (585) 226-9340 
Fax: (585) 235-1051
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  • About Us
    • Dr. Ronald Gmerek
    • Meet the Staff
    • Our Office
    • Patient Reviews
    • Blog
  • Services
    • Ingrown Toenail
    • Foot Pain >
      • Bunions
      • Hammer Toe
      • Heel Pain
      • Claw Toe
      • Arch Pain
      • Achilles Tendinitis
      • Heel Spurs
      • Mallet Toe
      • Metatarsalgia
      • Morton’s Neuroma
      • Foot Pain Management
      • Morton’s Toe
      • Plantar Fasciitis
      • Arthritis
    • Foot Health >
      • Diabetic Foot Care
      • Poor Foot Circulation
      • Geriatric Foot Care
      • Orthotics
      • Gout
      • Pediatric Foot Care
      • Osteoarthritis
      • Wound Care
    • Broken Bones and Injuries >
      • Achilles Tendon Rupture
      • Foot and Ankle Fracture Repair
      • Lisfranc Injury
      • Sprained Ankle
      • Stress Fractures
      • Turf Toe
      • Calcaneal Fractures
      • Toe and Forefoot Fractures
      • Pilon Fractures of the Ankle
      • Talus Fractures
    • Surgical Procedures >
      • Achilles Surgery
      • Arthritis Surgery
      • Cyst Removal
      • Flat Foot Correction
      • Heel Surgery
      • Metatarsal Surgery
      • Nerve Surgery (Neuroma)
    • Foot and Ankle Disorders >
      • Bone Disorders >
        • Osteomyelitis
        • Bone Deformities
        • Bone Tumors
      • Joint Disorders >
        • Osteoarthritis
        • Hallux Varus
        • Rheumatoid Arthritis
      • Nerve Disorders >
        • Entrapment Neuropathy
        • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
      • Skin Disorders >
        • Athlete's Foot
        • Callus and Corns
        • Fungal Nail Infections
        • Plantar Warts
    • Foot Deformities >
      • Clubfoot
      • Flatfoot
      • High Arch
  • Patient Resources
    • Make a Payment
    • Patient Reviews
    • Patient Education Videos
    • Patient Forms
    • Insurance
    • Useful Links
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Office Locations
    • Henrietta Location
    • Avon Location
    • Geneseo Location