What is a Hammer Toe?

What Causes a Hammer Toe?

When the balance between the muscles that bend and straighten the toe is lost, the toe stays bent at the middle joint. Narrow pointed shoes, high heels, hallux valgus, a long second toe, rheumatic diseases and diabetic nerve damage are the main causes.

Symptoms

• The middle joint of the toe sticks upward
• A painful corn on top of the joint from shoe pressure
• Calluses on the tip of the toe or the sole
• Later, the toe can no longer be straightened by hand

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a hammer toe be corrected without surgery?

While the toe is still flexible, wide toe-box shoes, toe separators, protective pads and stretching exercises reduce symptoms. If the toe has become rigid and pain limits footwear, tendon or joint correction surgery is considered.