Hammertoe (Curled/Clawed Toe)

Cause: Hereditary, trauma

Appearance: Hammered toe, curled toe

How to Diagnose: X-ray

Treatment: Cross over taping (see figure 1), Padding (see figure 2), Wider shoes , in chronic or extreme cases- surgery (see figure 4)

Long-term prognosis: If the toe is flexible then taping and padding work well. Surgical correction of hammertoes does carry a risk of recurrence, which can be frustrating.

Who to call: Podiatrist, orthopedic surgeon

Figure 1.