Hammer finger

2020.01.09.

What causes hammer toe?

Hammertoe is a type of deformity of the toe, which can be hereditary or caused by wearing inappropriate shoes, or by poor foot posture. Hammer toe can also be caused by a change in the static condition of the foot, with the long and latitudinal arch dropping, the toes tensing, flexor-tensor muscles not doing their job properly, and the second phalanx bent and almost vertical. The joints of the toe are stiff, the patient cannot straighten it, and the shoe may even rub it sore. The 2nd and 3rd toes are most often affected by this lesion. This symptom affects women to a greater extent, „due to” the wearing of tight shoes and high heels. As a side effect of hammer toe, the fingers may develop calluses, corns, arthritis or a wound that heals slowly due to the rubbing of the skin of the foot.

What treatment can help correct hammer toe?

In milder cases, physiotherapy, foot massage, wearing a custom-made insole, and changing to more comfortable shoes can also help the healing process. In more severe cases, however, only surgery can help. There are also several solutions to surgery. This is decided by a thorough examination by an orthopaedic specialist. After surgery, the recovery period is 4-6 weeks, during which time the foot must be spared, but appropriate physiotherapy can be carried out. Hammer toe can still recur after surgery, so tight and high-heeled shoes should be avoided as much as possible.

He believes that if a doctor does his job humanely, honestly and conscientiously, the patient will feel that he means well and will trust him and his knowledge.

The important thing is to explain to the patient what is wrong. We have to give them the part of our knowledge that is relevant to their illness, so that they can understand it. The first step on the road to recovery is to find a common voice.