What Are Hammertoes?

Understanding Hammertoes

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Hammertoes are a common deformity affecting the toes, characterized by an abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe, which causes it to resemble a hammer. This condition can lead to discomfort, pain, and difficulty in walking, and is often associated with other foot problems such as corns and calluses due to the increased pressure on the toe.

Causes and Risk Factors

Hammertoes can develop due to a variety of reasons, including genetic predisposition, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or as a result of other medical conditions such as arthritis or diabetes. In particular, individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing hammertoes, which can lead to complications such as ulcers due to poor circulation and nerve damage.

Treatment Options

Treatment for hammertoes can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Non-surgical options include wearing properly fitting shoes, using orthotic devices, and performing exercises to stretch and strengthen the toe muscles. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Recent Research on Hammertoes in Diabetic Patients

A recent multicenter randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of needle flexor tendon tenotomy in treating diabetic hammertoe deformities. The study included individuals with diabetes who had ulcers or were at risk of developing ulcers due to hammertoes. The results demonstrated that tenotomy significantly improved ulcer healing rates and reduced the progression of impending ulcers to active ulcers compared to standard nonsurgical treatments. This procedure was found to be both effective and safe, with no serious adverse events reported1.

Conclusion

Hammertoes are a prevalent foot deformity that can lead to significant discomfort and complications, especially in individuals with diabetes. Recent advancements in treatment, such as needle flexor tendon tenotomy, offer promising results in managing this condition effectively. Early intervention and appropriate treatment are crucial in preventing further complications and improving the quality of life for those affected.

Disclaimer

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