A hammer toe is a toe that bends at the middle joint so it sits in a bent or claw-like position. Over time the bent joint rubs against shoes, causing corns, calluses and pain. Several similar deformities have different names.
Hammertoe, mallet toe and claw toe
- Hammertoe: the bend is at the middle joint of the toe
- Mallet toe: the bend is at the joint closest to the tip
- Claw toe: the toe curls up at the base and down at the other joints, often linked to nerve or muscle problems
What causes them
The muscles and tendons that straighten the toe become imbalanced. Contributors include inherited foot shape, bunions, a long second toe, tight or short shoes, past injury and nerve or muscle conditions. The second toe is most often affected.
Flexible or rigid
A flexible hammer toe can still be straightened by hand. A rigid one has stiffened in the bent position. This matters because it largely decides which treatments are likely to help.
Symptoms
- A toe that bends down or curls under
- Corns on top of the joint, or calluses at the tip
- Pain or irritation in shoes
- Redness or swelling around the joint
Treatment
- Shoes with a deep, roomy toe box
- Padding, sleeves or inserts to reduce pressure
- Orthotics
- Toe stretching and strengthening for flexible toes
- Professional care of corns and calluses
Surgery may be recommended for rigid toes that stay painful or keep causing corns or sores. Procedures can involve releasing or transferring tendons, removing a small amount of bone, or fusing the joint in a straighter position. People with diabetes or reduced feeling in the feet should have a bent toe checked early, because pressure sores can develop. See hammertoes for more.
Dr. Ajdari sees patients in Metairie on the Southshore and in Slidell on the Northshore, serving the Greater New Orleans area. Request an appointment or call 985-326-8614.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an examination and advice from a qualified clinician. Treatment recommendations depend on your individual situation. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.