What is Hammertoe / Mallet Toe / Claw Toe?
Hammertoe is a deformity of the middle toe joint that generally occurs in the second, third or fourth toe. This condition causes the toe to be permanently bent, which in turn forms the image of a hammer or an upside-down ‘V.’ Hammer toes often result from wearing poor-fitting shoes that force a toe into a bent position. High heels and other shoes that are too short or narrow are common causes. When toes are bent for periods of time, their muscles shorten, which then leads to the deformity. Other causes are muscle, nerve or joint damage resulting from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and diabetes. Due to daily pressure on the bent toe joint, corns or calluses frequently form on the top of the middle toe joint, or, on the tip of the toe. The bent toe can be painful, and make it difficult and uncomfortable to properly fit into shoes. Mallet Toe is a condition similar to hammer toe, affecting the upper toe joint. Claw Toes are toes that have a contr
