Hammer Toe

So, what do you think a hammer toe is, exactly? It is a deformity where the toes are bent or curled downwards instead of pointing in the forward direction. This deformity can tend to affect any of the toes of the foot. Usually, it seems to affect second or third toe. It might happen that it is present at the time of birth, and can eventually develop with time because of arthritis or wearing inappropriate footwear, like tight shoes, pointed heels. This deformity occurs when the middle joint present in the toe bent downwards. It has some causes like unusually high foot arch, arthritis, traumatic toe injury, pressure from a bunion, and tightening tendons or ligaments in the foot.

Metatarsus Adductus

You know what metatarsus is? Here, let me tell you. Metatarsus is a group of bones, basically, present in the middle section of the foot. Each foot has got five metatarsal bones which are connected to phalanges of the toes each. So, the problem metatarsus adductus is a condition where the metatarsal bones are turned towards the middle of the body, causing a visible deformity. This problem usually affects both the feet. Well, the cause of this problem is still unknown. And the symptoms are that the foot looks curved.

No problem is ever good to anyone, right? Here were some deformities of the foot that we discussed. If you feel like any of them showing up, do not wait. Go to a doctor, get the problem diagnosed and if the diagnosis shows that you have got the problems, get it treated soon.

Rheumatoid Foot

Arthritis is a big problem that affects the joints of the body. Well, it has got many types and one among all these types is rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that turns out to attack multiple joints present throughout the body. Mostly, it tends to start affecting in the small joints of feet and hand, and gradually affects the same joints of the body on both sides. It is actually an autoimmune disease, so the defences that are responsible for protecting the body from infections turns out to damage the normal tissues like ligaments and cartilages, and soften bones.

See, the joints that are present in the body are covered with a lining known as synovium. Synovium lubricates the joints and makes them easier to move. In rheumatoid arthritis, over activity of this synovium starts and it becomes inflamed and swollen, destroying the joint, the ligaments and other supporting tissues. Then, the ligaments that are weakened starts causing joint deformities like hammer toe or claw toe, and stress fractures and bone collapses because of bone softening, known as osteopenia.

The problem comes with symptoms too. The symptoms for this problem include stiffness, pain, and swelling. It is not like osteoarthritis where only one specific joint is affected, but it affects both the sides of the same joints, that mean, it affects both the foot joints. You will find a difficulty in inclining and stairs. With the progression of the disease, standing and simple walking also turns out to be painful. It can also lead to the flat foot deformity. With all this, the ligaments supporting the mid foot also become weak and the arch also collapses. Rheumatoid arthritis also damages the cartilage and causes arthritic pain. With time, the structure of the foot changes because the structure supporting it degenerates actually. Well, the front side of the foot is also not left. It gets problems too like claw toes, bunions, and pain under the ball of the foot (known as metatarsalgia). All of this is not just done. Painful bumps can also be there on the ball of the foot which creates calluses.