Hammer Toe

Hammer toe is a deformity of the second, third or fourth toes in which the toe is bent in the middle joint, resembling a hammer. It is caused by the muscles and tendons in the toes becoming unbalanced due to factors such as arthritis, heredity, wearing tight shoes, or trauma. Hammer toe can cause pain, difficulty walking, and inability to wear certain types of footwear due to the abnormal shape of the toe. Without treatment, hammer toe can sometimes become rigid and difficult to correct. Treatments for hammer toe include stretching, wearing wider shoes, taping the affected toe, orthotics, and occasionally surgery.