Abstract
Hammer toe is a painful flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint in which the middle and distal phalanges are flexed down onto the proximal phalange. The second toe is affected most often, and the condition is usually bilateral. Like hallux valgus deformity, hammer toe is usually the result of wearing shoes that are too tight in the toe box, although trauma has also been implicated. As with bunion, hammer toe deformity occurs more commonly in females than in males. An inflamed adventitious bursa may accompany hammer toe and contribute to the patient’s pain. A callus overlying the plantar surface of these bony prominences is usually present as well. Wearing high-heeled shoes may exacerbate the problem.
Keywords
hammer toe, foot deformities, toe deformities, foot pain, bunion, callus formation, magnetic resonance imaging, diagnostic sonography, ultrasound guided injection
ICD-10 CODE M20.40
Keywords
hammer toe, foot deformities, toe deformities, foot pain, bunion, callus formation, magnetic resonance imaging, diagnostic sonography, ultrasound guided injection
ICD-10 CODE M20.40
The Clinical Syndrome
Hammer toe is a painful flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint in which the middle and distal phalanges are flexed down onto the proximal phalange ( Fig. 137.1 ). The second toe is affected most often, and the condition is usually bilateral. Like hallux valgus deformity, hammer toe is usually the result of wearing shoes that are too tight in the toe box, although trauma has also been implicated ( Fig. 137.2 ). As with bunion, hammer toe deformity occurs more commonly in females than in males. An inflamed adventitious bursa may accompany hammer toe and contribute to the patient’s pain ( Fig. 137.3 ). A callus overlying the plantar surface of these bony prominences is usually present as well. High-heeled shoes may exacerbate the problem.
