Hammer Toe

Hammer toes, also known as mallet toe or claw toes, depending on where the deformity occurs. Any toe may be affected, but most commonly, the 2nd toe will bend, curl and buckle causing painful pressure points that can rub on shoes, cause pain on the tip of the toe or between adjacent toes.

They may be flexible initially but, over time, can become stiffened in a bent position.

Hammer toes may be hereditary and develop over time due to muscle imbalance. They can also be due to ligament tears in the ball of the foot (Plantar Plate disruption), arthritis, or wearing tight shoes, such as pointed heels. Hammer toes often occur in association with a bunion.