What is it?
Hammertoes develop from an imbalance between the muscles and tendons that bend and straighten the toe. The second toe is most often involved, frequently alongside a bunion. Related deformities include claw toes and mallet toes.
What causes it?
- Muscle and tendon imbalance related to foot structure
- Bunions crowding the second toe
- Tight or short shoes
- Plantar plate injury at the base of the toe
- Arthritis and some neurological conditions
What does it feel like?
- A corn on top of the bent toe
- Pain in shoes, particularly with a shallow toe box
- A toe that no longer straightens fully
- Pain at the ball of the foot under the affected toe
How is it diagnosed?
An exam determines whether the toe is flexible or rigid and whether the plantar plate is involved. Standing X-rays show joint alignment.
When should you see a podiatrist?
- A painful corn that keeps returning
- A toe that is becoming rigid
- A toe drifting over or under its neighbor
- Any toe sore with diabetes
Nonsurgical treatment
- Deeper, wider shoes
- Reduce pressure on the top of the toe.
- Pads and toe sleeves
- Protect corns.
- Splints or taping
- Useful for flexible toes.
- Corn and callus care
- Regular professional trimming.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is considered when a hammertoe remains painful despite shoe and padding changes, or when the toe is rigid and causing recurrent sores.
Flexible toes may be corrected with tendon procedures; rigid toes usually need removal of a small part of the joint or a fusion, sometimes held with an implant or pin.
Related procedures
What is recovery like?
Walking in a surgical shoe is usually allowed soon after surgery. Swelling in the toe can take several months to fully resolve.
Frequently asked questions
Will a hammertoe straighten on its own?
No. Early flexible hammertoes can be managed so they stay comfortable, but the deformity does not reverse on its own.
What is the difference between a hammertoe and a claw toe?
A hammertoe bends mainly at the middle joint. A claw toe bends at both toe joints and is often associated with nerve or muscle conditions.