Hammer toes are, next to hallux, one of the most common foot deformities. In the event of their occurrence, appropriate treatment should be instituted as soon as possible. Otherwise, the disease may lead to serious complications, including degenerative changes in the joints of the foot. What are the causes of hammer fingers? What is the operation for distorted fingers?

Hammer toes(hammer toe) is a deformity that involves flexion contracture of the finger (usually the second finger because it is the longest) in the proximal interphalangeal joint (the so-called PIP joint) feet. At the same time, there is also hyperextension in the metatarsophalangeal joint.

Hammer finger should not be confused withhammer finger -deformation of the flexion of the finger in the distal interphalangeal joint (also known as the DIP joint), which is often the result of an injury.

Hammerhead toe - causes

Hammer fingersusually appear in people who wear shoes of the wrong shape or size. Too tight or too short shoes cause pressure on the bones of the toes. They are also common in people who put their feet incorrectly on the ground, shifting their weight to the front of the foot (that is, in women who wear high-heeled shoes). The formation of hammer fingers is also favored by the development of bunions, which contribute to poor positioning of the fingers. The big finger then moves to the place of the neighboring finger, thus forcing it to bend. The cause of the disease may also be anatomic defects and neurological injuries, e.g. stroke. The ailment may also be the result of joint damage in the course of rheumatoid arthritis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or diabetes. It is worth knowing that the formation of the deformation of the fingers is favored by overweight.

Hammerhead finger - symptoms

The toe is bent downwards and an imprint often appears on the tip of the toe, which is the result of the toe rubbing against the front of the shoe. Corn (or callus) can also form where the toe meets the foot. Therefore, when trying to move, pain appears that can radiate even to the metatarsus and effectively limit movement. In addition, redness and swelling appear withincontracted joints. This distortion is often accompanied by overlapping fingers. Another medical condition that often coexists with hammer toe is hallux valgus (hallux).

Hammerhead toe - treatment. What is the operation?

In the initial stage of the disease, the doctor may recommend exercises that improve the range of motion of the contracted fingers or recommend wearing special appliances. However, most often, due to the development of deformities, surgery is performed.

During the operation, the doctor cuts the skin and deeper soft tissues and cuts out the bone tissue of the base of the phalanx which is affected by the disease. Then an implant is inserted in place of the removed bone tissue. Most often it is an implant made of a nickel-titanium alloy, which changes its shape under the influence of temperature and connects bone fragments. Walking is possible approximately the day after the operation.

Important

In the case of a hammer finger, surgery is the most effective method of treatment. An unoperated finger can lead to ingrown nail, calluses, blisters and corns. However, the most dangerous complications of the disease may be subluxation and later dislocations of the metatarsophalangeal joint and progressive degenerative changes in the joints of the foot, and finally in the joints of the entire leg.

Hammer finger - prevention

After the operation, the doctor may recommend wearing prophylactic and orthopedic insoles or orthoses, such as: gel pads under the forefoot, finger guards, and finger pads. Finger stretching exercises are also beneficial.

To prevent toe deformation, wear comfortable shoes with a wide, high toe that will not put pressure on the toes. Ideally, it should have a thick and soft sole and a heel of no more than 3 cm.

CHECK>>How to properly choose SHOES so that they are comfortable and he althy for the feet?

Category:

Spine, bones, joints