Doctor, Doctor...
By Dave Hall
For all you hypochondriacs out there, Dave Hall continues his regular look at a some of the more unusual medical conditions, as well as some you thought you knew all about.
This week: HAMMER TOE.
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Condition – No, not a classic 80s dance track remix from MC Hammer, but a deformity of the middle joint of the second, third, or fourth toe causing it to be permanently bent and thus, looking a bit like a hammer. It often comes about from wearing poorly fitting shoes that force the toes up – high heels or short/narrow shoes are prime causes. It is also sometimes caused as a result of arthritis or nerve/muscle damage. Other foot problems such as corns and hard skin can often occur alongside this condition.
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Contagion – None, it occurs with either footwear or as a result of other conditions, you just can't catch it.
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| Danger of death – Unless you trip up while wearing your high heels, there is no danger from the condition itself. |  |
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Incurability? – Usually, wearing soft (for soft read sensible?) shoes for some time is the best way of treating the condition. For more severe cases, surgery can correct any major deformity.
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Likelihood of getting time off work – If you go to work wearing high heels and you’re not female, you may well get sent home. If you hobble in wearing shoes that are too tight, you may also get some funny looks. Best get some loafers and take it easy around the desks.
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| Brag-ability – Again, depending on how you got the condition in the first place (I would refrain from having to tell your mates about your weekend drag artist job) it may be prudent to keep quiet and just buy yourself some new Hushpuppies. In a few weeks all will be forgotten. |
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Overall ridiculousness – The name sounds crazy, and you’ll find it hard to get people to take you seriously, but bear with it - if you build it up well, it could be a good DIY tool. |
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More conditions to come soon:
Cholera, Chagas' Disease and more.
Find more curious conditions in Doctor Doctor. If you can't wait for the next Doctor Doctor, then why not find a Phunny Phobia to keep you going?
Photo: Bprender22/Za - Wiki
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