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What is a Hammertoe?

A hammertoe is a deformity that usually affects one or more of the toes. The toe curls or buckles under, which in turn causes the toe to contract or shorten in length. These deformities are usually either flexible or rigid and they also may involve a bone spur.

What are corns?

A corn is a build-up of thickened skin that occurs on the tops of prominent joints, and is frequently found with hammertoes. These corns may become irritated, infected or even ulcerated, with their progression.

Often times, as both of these deformities progress, pain may also develop on the ball of the foot, and this could even lead to the development of a thickened area of skin or callous formation on the bottom of the foot.

Causes?

Hammertoes may be caused by heredity, high-arched or weakened foot musculature, or other deformities of the foot, for example, the common bunion. The bunion may cause the second toe to contract and move, and even overlap the big toe.

Treatment?

Hammertoes and corns are sometimes treated conservatively with appropriate padding, the use of wider shoes, possibly shaving of the corn, and even the use of various injectable medications to relieve some of the inflammation. All these methods afford only temporary relief; however, surgery can correct this problem, and often this procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, under a local anesthesia, if it is so desired.

Complications with this procedure are relatively rare; however, there are, as with any surgery, associated risks and these should be understood by the patient prior to the surgical intervention. Discomfort following surgical treatment is usually mild. Generally, as soon as one day postoperatively, most patients will be able to bear some weight on their foot.

Question:

What happens if I would bite my toes off?

Dr. Toe:

Well first of all.  I wouldn't recommend you do that.  But seeing that this is a free country and some folks are hell bent on doing it their way I would suggest you do it in proximity to a hospital emergency room.  perhaps in your car in the hospital driveway.  You will probably only make it through 2 or 3 toes before the pain begins to overwhelm you and make you feel light headed from the loss of blood.  I would suggest preparing for this with plastic covering on your car seat and bandages so you can rap each toe as you bite it off.  This way you may be able to work your way through more than just a few toes.  Leave the big toes for last as they will obviously bleed the most.  Assuming you don't have dentures, as your teeth are bone with the same structural integrity as your toe bone it is possible that you may chip a tooth or two, but you are not likely sensitive to this considering after all that you are chewing your toes off.  To compensate for the taste of blood I would suggest a shot of tequila with each bite preceded by a lime and salt in the usual fashion.  The salt will sting your open wound a bit but since you appear to be in search of pain, this will only heighten your overall experience, although the tequila will have a numbing affect... so the two cancel each other.  Assuming you get through all 10 toes, you can look forward to a life of imbalance as it is our toes that keep us upright.  Although, in your case it sounds like your already a bit imbalanced and you will likely not notice the change.  Please note, wearing sandals after this will be a bit awkward.

P.S.  If you rap each toe individually in a plastic bag, then surround the bag with ice in another bag, they will stand a fair to good chance that the hospital can re-attach each toe back on.  I can't guarantee all or any of the re-attached toes will heal and not turn green but in today's medicine, anything is possible.  good luck!

How do you tell a girl you like their feet?

Dr. Toe:

Well, if you're examining their feet as I do, it would generally be unethical.  However, in my prior life, I can think of a few occasions.  You might try mixing it up and see what works best for you.  The key is to convey confidence and comfort in how you say it.  If it comes out uncomfortable and awkward it won't matter what you say.  Conversely, if you can make a smooth delivery, it also won't matter a great deal what you say.  So, try a few opening lines out, and get comfortable with complimenting women on their feet.  Many women take great time caring for their feet and would appreciate the attention and compliment.  You could just be open and honest and say what comes to mind.  However, if your a bit on the timid side, here's a suggestion.  Casually drop your keys or pen on the floor.  While picking it up say "wow, you've got the most incredibly attractive feet I have ever seen".  Or compliment her on the choice of nail polish color or strap shoes.  Whatever works.  If said with a smile and not drool, you should get a positive thank you, opening the door for other conversation.

 Question:

I have a foot fetish/why don't I like to show my feet?
Dr. Toe:

Perhaps you are shy and insecure.  The nice thing about the internet is  you are anonymous.  So there is no reason not to show your feet.  No one will know who you are in the least.  Just show them and don't give a flyin' !@#$!@#$ what anybody thinks.  

Question:

How do you get high arches in your foot?

Dr. Toe:

Good question.  The all knowing Dr. Toe believes you're born with them.  

Question:

How do you get a foot fetish?

Dr. Toe:

Well if you're like me it starts with a dream of a web site with nothing but thousands of toes.  But that aside, most people contract the infamous foot fetish disease by over exposure to... you guessed it... feet.  So, it's simple.  The more you learn about feet, the more you will recognize that they are much more than what keeps us upright.  They are nothing less than the gateway to our souls (pun intended).   It is a viscous escalating path into the deepest depths of fetishes that you can not unravel from once in.  Little grasshopper, you will be at peace with one self and the universe if you simply succumb to the temptations of the foot fetish.  Feel the force ...and it will come to you. 

Question:

How can I get rid of the callous under my big toe?

Dr. Toe:

The doc says, soak your foot in warm water and then file it down using a special callous file you can purchase at most dept. or drug stores.   Depending on the severity of the callous you may need to do this a few times until you achieve the result you desire.  good luck.

The nail on my big right toes is thickening and seems to be pulling away from the skin.  What can I do?

Dr. Toe:

More questions:

June 27, 2005 - I have a rash on the sole of my foot and on my toes. I have small,
light colored bumps and peeling skin. There is hardly any redness, in
fact it is hardly visible but it itches like crazy. I don't know if
it's scorisis (sp?). I have tried cortizone but nothing helps. Any
advice?

Dr. Toe Response:  Yes, stay the heck out of any group showers , thank you. or at least any in the U.S.

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August 22, 2002 - I stumbled across this website and was curious what causes hard, small toenails. 

August 8, 2002 - I am 23yrs old and when I was younger my mother made us walk from state to state because we were homeless. Sometimes I had shoes and sometimes not. I get deep cuts in my toes. They look like they are shredded and it happens on the part below the toes also. I have tried everything and nothing has seemed to help. It is very painfull and all I want is it to get better. - Michelle

August 6, 2002 - I think i have it. My nails turn to pulp and flake away. i keep filing them to keep them clean but i'm getting down to the nub. I have scorisis (is that how you spell it) on my head and elbow. Can it be cured?
- Guy