How To Spot Hammertoe

Corns And Calluses

It's common for corns and calluses to develop due to hammertoe. Calluses might develop on the toe itself or the area around it. Patients might also have calluses on other parts of the foot, especially if their footwear has caused blisters. A callus is a raised patch of thickened skin, and it might be large and irregularly formed. Typically, calluses form when there's pressure or friction on the foot. They're a protective measure to keep the skin from becoming completely worn away. Corns tend to form on the joints of the toes, and unlike calluses, they tend to be small and round. They look like warts, but they have irritated skin surrounding their tough core. Calluses don't usually cause pain, but corns might.

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Abnormal Bend In Toe

An abnormal bend in a toe is one of the most frequently seen and easily identified symptoms of hammertoe. The bend always occurs in the middle joint of the affected toe, and this causes the toe to point downward. An imbalance in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments responsible for straightening the toes is the underlying cause of the abnormal bend. The majority of patients with hammertoe will have a bend in either their second, third, or fourth toes. In the early stages of this condition, the bend is typically flexible, and treatment at this stage can help prevent complications. As the condition progresses, the abnormal bend will often become rigid, and the patient may be unable to straighten the affected toe. In severe cases, open sores could form on the toe, and corns or calluses might develop on the middle joint. Swelling, pain, and a burning sensation may be present as well.

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