Claw toe and hammer toe
Claw toes and hammer toes are generally defective positions of the second to the fifth toe.The claw toe is a “claw-like” defective position resulting from overstretching of the toe in the metatarso-phalangeal joint under bending position in the middle and end joint.
The hammer toe is a “hammer-like” defective position due to an insulated bending in the end joint. Often, in the course of time painful decubitus ulcers occur on the toes, so-called “corns” (clavus). Wearing tight shoes increases the formation of ulcers or pressure marks, often leading to the necessity of surgical intervention.
Apart from the wearing of too tight shoes or high heels, a genetic predisposition can be the cause of deformation. Claw or hammer toes often go hand in hand with a Hallux valgus deformity.
Normally claw and hammer toes are painless. However, in many cases with an increasing defective position in the course of time a painful pressure mark (clavus) develops on top of the middle or end joint of the affected toe.
The diagnosis should only be made in the framework of a clinical examination and in individual cases by means of an additional X-ray.
Within a personal consulation, we are happy to answer your questions of whether you show signs of a hammer or claw toe deformation and of which therapy might be advisable. The SPORTHOMEDIC team is at your disposal.
