Why And How Hammertoes Are Corrected

When a corns forms on our toe it is usually the result of an abnormality or misalignment of the bones inside the toe. The bone under the area of the corn may be abnormal and may have a spur or some other kind of growth, or the toe itself may be bending (contracting) and you may have a mallet toe or hammertoe deformity. A deformity of the toe or misalignment of the bones causes pressure on the skin from within and rather than the skin breaking open, it toughens and forms the corn (to protect it). Several different types of arthritis can affect the feet and toes and cause toe joint pain and stiffness, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Osteoarthritis is caused by mechanical damage to the joints over time; it does not usually cause joint pain and stiffness symmetrically in the body. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is caused by an autoimmune disease; the joints of the feet and ankles are usually affected symmetrically, and the smaller joints of the fingers and toes are usually affected before the larger joints of the body. The standard shaft length for putters is 35", but the overall length can range from 32" to 52". If you are taller or shorter than average, your lie angle is going to be wrong and you can absolutely count on missing two or three makeable putts every round. You start thinking you are a poor putter and lose some confidence, when actually you have the wrong putter. This problem is exacerbated as more and more golfers start using the pendulum stroke, which completely changes the shaft length. The mallet style putters have more weight in the club head and, most importantly, they are easier to align than the bladed putters. Treatment of mallet toes requires either padding to push the toe end back upward (called a crescent pad), padded inserts under the toe to reduce pressure directly to the toe tip, or surgery to straighten the toe. A simple procedure to produce this straightening involves releasing the tight tendon under the toe. This can often be performed in the office setting, and it heals with only a stitch or two in the skin. Sometimes more rigid or complicated cases need surgery to reduce bone at the joint to help the toe return to a straightened position. Hammertoe, claw toe, and mallet toe are conditions that deform the shape of the four smaller toes, leaving them in a curved position. Hammertoe affects the toe’s middle joint; claw toe affects the toe’s middle and end joints; mallet toe affects the toe’s end joint. Hammertoe, claw toe, and mallet toe can be treated by wearing roomy footwear, using pads and supports in the shoe, and doing toe exercises. Over-the-counter pain medication may also provide relief. In severe cases, surgery may be an option. Talk to your pharmacist before purchasing anti-inflammatories as these medications may be contraindicated as they may interact with other medications and medical conditions. Causes