MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Hammer toe

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Hammer toe

Hammer toe is a condition where a toe assumes a bent downward position like a claw. The condition can be from birth or aquired from wearing short, narrow shoes. The symptoms of hammer toe include foot pain, callus formation on the sole of the foot or corn formation on the top of the affected toe. Treatment of mild cases and cases in children can include foot manipulation and splinting of the affected toe. More severe cases may require surgery to straighten the toe joint.

Update Date: 11/2/2006

Updated by: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Reviewprovided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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