Clarifying Hammertoes

Just what exactly are hammertoes and what causes this affliction? These are common questions related to a common toe deformity. In this excerpt, it is our intent to provide a brief explanation for the occurrence of hammertoes.

Hammertoes originate as a muscle imbalance due to the onset of a variety of events--usually flat feet, traumatic injury, or a disease of the toe joints. These events influence the placement of individual toe muscles--the "flexor digitorum longus" muscle and the "flexor digitorum brevis" muscle specifically--which are respectively located at the end and middle of the toe. Each of these muscles overpower the other muscles found in the toe upon being triggered by events such as having flat feet or contracting a toe joint disease. This, as a result, causes one of two problems.

As chronicled by PodiatryChannel.com, the following synopses cited explain these two problems in more detail:

First Problem. "If the flexor digitorum brevis contracts first and overpowers the rest of the muscles in the toe, the middle phalanx (middle bone) is pulled downward, causing the joint between the proximal and middle phalanges to buckle upward. This is known as a claw toe. "

Second Problem. "If the flexor digitorum longus contracts first and overpowers the smaller muscles, it can pull on the proximal phalanx, causing the outer two joints of the toe to bend downward. This results in a hammertoe."

As always, if you are seeking more information about the hammertoe condition, or any other foot health-related condition, please consult with one of the podiatric professionals at Advanced Footcare Clinic at any point in time.