Treatment Effects on Gait in Hammertoe Patients

Hammertoe deformities often lead to pain, discomfort, and difficulty with walking. People affected by these deformities are also at a higher risk for developing pressure-related ulcers on their feet. It is essential for clinicians to be aware of this risk and to assess the degree of plantar pressure reduction following both conservative and surgical treatments, as alleviating this pressure may help prevent the development of foot ulcers. Individuals diagnosed with hammertoes will participate in two data collection sessions-one visit before the intervention begins (pre-intervention) and another visit three months after the intervention (post-intervention).

Inclusion criteria

• Confirmed distal symmetric sensory neuropathy.
• MTPJ hyperextension deformity.
• Claw or hammer toe deformity in toes.

Exclusion criteria

• Non-hammertoe foot deformities affecting metatarsal head pressure.
• Limited joint mobility, lower-limb amputation, or Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy.
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Non-diabetic neuropathies
• Significant lower-limb musculoskeletal issues
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Current foot ulcer or edema
• Inability to walk unaided
• MRI contraindications
• Morton's neuroma
• History of foot surgery