Hammer Toes Symptoms and Treatment

Hammer toes are the most common problems often found in the people indulged in the heavy physical activities including walking, running, jumping etc. It can be occurred to anyone without prior symptoms or any other signs. When the smaller toes of the foot become bent and prominent, it gives rise to hammer toe. It is the most painful condition and restricts activities like walking, running, etc. It looks exactly like a hammer this is the reason, it is called hammer toe. The toes form a joint with the long bones of the foot and it is the same area that is referred to as the ball of the foot. These bones and joints are straight however it occurs when the toes become bent at the first interphalangeal joint. It makes the toe prominent and is the very basic cause of the problem.

Hammer toes can affect any number of the lesser toes and causes immense pain. In most of the cases, a deep blister is formed over the joint. It is also a visible sign of hammer. It gradually becomes bruised and inflamed causing heavy pain in the region. Over time, hard skin or corns can form over the joints or at the tip of the toe, making patient unable to move. In fact, the inflammation caused by hammer toe is similar to a bunion. A toe with this deformity is bent at the last joint and points the tip of the toe downward.