A hammertoe is a contracture, or bending, of the toe at the proximal interphalangeal joint, or the first joint of the digit. Any toe may be affected by hammertoes, but it is usually the second, third, fourth, and fifth toe that are most affected. The adnormal bending of hammertoes may put pressure on the toes while wearing shoes, and may cause problems as the toes develop. Hammertoes are more common to females than to males.

Some of the symptoms of hammertoes are:

As the corns and calluses grow, it may become difficult to find shoes that do not cause more pain. Hammertoes may also cause additional pain if the joint becomes dislocated.

Hammertoes usually begin as minor deformities. They may be caused by wearing shoes that do not fit properly. They may also be caused by muscle imbalance, or trauma--such as a broken or sprained toe. They may also be inherited.

There are several different ways to treat hammertoes. It may be wise to consult your podiatrist for recommendations on which treatment will be the best for your specific condition. Some of the non-surgical treatments are:

If treatment is postponed too long, the hammertoe condition may progress to a rigid state. Surgery may become necessary to relieve the pain and discomfort.