Hammertoes occur when the muscles and tendons in your toes become imbalanced, causing the middle joint of the toe to bend upward and stay in that position. They can be flexible (still able to move) or rigid (stuck in place), with rigid hammertoes often requiring surgery.

Causes & Risk Factors

• Wearing tight or high-heeled shoes that push toes out of alignment

• Foot injuries, such as stubbing or breaking a toe

• Muscle imbalances due to flat feet or high arches

• Genetic predisposition

• Conditions like arthritis or diabetes

Symptoms

• Bent toes that appear stuck in a curled position

• Pain or stiffness in the affected toes

• Corns and calluses from friction against shoes

• Difficulty walking or moving the toes

Treatment Options

• Footwear changes: Wearing shoes with a wide toe box and low heels

• Orthotics: Custom inserts to correct foot alignment

• Padding & taping: Reducing pressure on affected toes

• Surgery: For severe cases where the toe is rigid and painful