Hammertoes occur when one or more toes — usually the second, third, or fourth — curl downward instead of pointing straight, because the ligaments and muscles around the middle toe joint buckle and get stuck. Understanding whether your hammertoe is flexible or rigid is the key to choosing the right treatment, and catching it early gives you the best chance of avoiding surgery.
Hammertoes are one of the most common toe deformities we treat at Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute. This guide walks through what they are, the two types you should know about, how to prevent them, and the treatment options available at our Farmington and South Ogden offices.
What are hammertoes?
A hammertoe develops when the muscles and tendons that normally keep a toe straight fall out of balance, causing the toe to bend downward at the middle joint and eventually get stuck in that position. Over time, the constant bending can lead to corns, calluses, and pain from the toe rubbing against footwear.
What are the types of hammertoes?
Flexible hammertoes
With a flexible hammertoe, you can still move the toe at the middle joint, either on your own or with gentle assistance from your hand. This is the milder form of the condition and typically responds well to nonsurgical treatment.
Rigid hammertoes
When the tendons around the joint become too tight and stiff, the joint can become misaligned and lose the ability to move altogether. Rigid hammertoes are harder to treat conservatively, and surgery is often needed to restore normal alignment.
What causes hammertoes?
Hammertoes stem from a muscle imbalance in the toe that allows the middle joint to buckle over time. Common causes include:
- Arthritis affecting the toe joints
- Poorly fitting footwear — especially tight or narrow shoes — worn over a long period
- Unstable foot posture that leads to toe overuse
- Excessive foot rolling, whether pronation (rolling inward) or supination (rolling outward)
Because faulty foot mechanics are so often involved, hammertoes frequently occur alongside flat feet or a bunion, since both conditions change how weight travels across the foot with each step.
What are the symptoms of hammertoes?
Common symptoms include swelling and redness around the affected joint, inability to fully straighten the toe, pain during movement or while wearing shoes, difficulty walking comfortably, and corns or calluses forming on the middle joint where it rubs against footwear.
How can hammertoes be prevented?
The single best way to protect your toes is wearing properly fitting shoes with good arch support and a roomy toe box. As a general rule, leave about one-half inch of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Avoid high heels, pointy toe boxes, and shoes that are simply too tight — all of which crowd the toes and encourage a hammertoe to form. Supportive custom orthotics can also help correct the underlying foot mechanics that contribute to the problem.
How are hammertoes treated?
Treatment for flexible hammertoes
- Switching to roomier, better-fitting footwear
- Daily toe stretches and strengthening exercises
- Non-medicated cushions or padding to relieve pressure from corns and calluses
Treatment for rigid hammertoes
When a hammertoe has become rigid, surgery is often the most effective option. Depending on the joint and how it has changed, this may involve tendon lengthening, tendon transfer procedures, or joint fusion (arthrodesis) to restore a straighter, more functional toe. Recovery after these procedures typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks, with elevation and limited activity supporting proper healing.
Because bunions and hammertoes often share the same underlying mechanical causes, patients being evaluated for hammertoes are sometimes also candidates for bunion removal if a bunion is contributing to the problem.
When should I see a podiatrist?
See a podiatrist as soon as you notice a toe beginning to curl or stiffen, rather than waiting until it becomes painful or rigid. The earlier a hammertoe is evaluated, the more treatment options remain on the table. Seek care sooner if you develop significant pain, swelling, or an open sore, particularly if you have diabetes or poor circulation. You can request an appointment at either of our Northern Utah offices.
Medically reviewed by the physicians at Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained podiatrists provide foot and ankle care in Farmington and South Ogden, Utah. This article is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation.