Hammer Toe

What Is a Hammer Toe?
A hammer toe is a condition that affects the second, third or fourth toe, where the affected toe bends downward at the middle joint and creates the hammer shape. This can make walking uncomfortable and cause problems wearing shoes. Initially, hammer toes are flexible, but if left untreated, they can become fixed and require surgery.

Hammer toe is sometimes confused with other toe deformities like claw toe or mallet toe, but it has its own unique shape and set of symptoms. You might also hear it referred to as hammertoe or contracted toe deformity.

What Causes Hammer Toe?
Hammer toes are a result of muscle imbalances that put pressure on the tendons and joints of your toes. If the toes are bent in one position for enough time, the muscles can tighten and become fixed.

Common causes of hammer toes include:

• Wearing tight or high-heeled shoes that squeeze the toes
• Muscle imbalances in the foot from weakness
• Toe injuries from sports or trauma
• Arthritis or joint inflammation
• Genetic factors that affect toe structure

Symptoms of hammer toe can include:

• A toe that bends downward at the middle joint
• Corns or calluses on the top of the toe from rubbing against shoes
• Pain or irritation when wearing shoes
• Swelling or redness around the joint
• Stiffness or inability to straighten the toe
• Pain in the ball of the foot under the affected toe
  
  

To diagnose hammer toe, your orthopedic specialist will:

• Ask about your symptoms and medical history
• Examine the shape, flexibility and movement of your toes
• Check your foot alignment, gait and muscle strength
• In some cases, order X-rays to assess joint damage or rule out other conditions

Nonsurgical Treatments for Hammer Toe
Early and flexible hammer toes can often be treated without surgery.

Options include:

• Wearing roomier shoes with wide toe boxes to reduce pressure and discontinue wearing high-heeled shoes with smaller or pointed toe boxes to reduce pressure
• Using toe splints or pads to help realign the joint
• Custom orthotics to relieve pressure and improve alignment
• Stretching exercises to strengthen the toe and foot muscles
• Applying ice or anti-inflammatory medications for pain or swelling
  
  

These conservative treatments help prevent the condition from worsening and may even reverse early-stage hammer toe.

Surgical Treatment for Hammer Toe
If the toe becomes rigid and painful or if other treatments don’t help, hammer toe surgery may be recommended.

Surgery typically involves:

• Releasing or lengthening tendons that are too tight
• Removing a small piece of bone to straighten the toe
• Joint fusion, which allows the bones to heal in a straightened position
• Correction of other deformities, like bunions or overlapping toes
  
  

Recovery time varies, but most patients can return to normal shoes and light activity within 6 to 8 weeks. Full recovery may take longer depending on your specific procedure and healing process.

Your orthopedic foot and ankle specialist will provide a post-surgery plan that may include wearing a surgical shoe, avoiding pressure on the toe and doing physical therapy.

How to Prevent Hammer Toe
You may not be able to prevent all cases, but you can lower your risk by:

• Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes with enough room for your toes
• Avoiding high heels or narrow shoes for long periods
• Doing regular toe stretches and foot strengthening exercises
• Managing medical conditions like arthritis or diabetes
• Seeking treatment early if your toes start to curl or feel stiff

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If you're experiencing symptoms or want to learn more about your treatment options, don’t wait to get treatment.

If you’re wondering where the best place is to get care, please see our guide below:

If your problem is life- or limb-threatening, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Primary Care – Schedule through MyChart or call your provider’s office who you go to for most health care needs.

Orthopedic Specialists - Schedule through MyChart or call 757-534-9988.
(804-693-0529 for Gloucester, 757-302-2700 for the Eastern Shore)

Sports Medicine Hotline – Call 757-534-6767, 7am-10pm, 7 days a week to schedule an appointment with a sports medicine specialist. Same day/next day availability in most cases.
If you’re not sure, call Riverside Nurse 24/7 at 1-800-675-6368