How Do I Know If I Have a Hammertoe? Signs, Symptoms, and When to See a Foot Specialist
Have you noticed that one of your toes looks bent or curled? Maybe your toe rubs against the top of your shoe, or you've developed a painful corn or callus that seems to keep coming back.
These can be signs of a hammertoe.
Hammertoe is a common foot condition that causes an abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe. It most often affects the second, third, or fourth toes and can range from a mild, flexible deformity to a more rigid toe that is difficult to straighten.
But how can you tell if the changes you're noticing are actually a hammertoe?
What Does a Hammertoe Look Like?
The easiest way to recognize a hammertoe is to look at the position of your toe.
Instead of lying relatively flat, the affected toe develops a bend at the middle joint, causing the toe to look curled or raised.
You may notice that:
One or more toes appear bent downward.
The middle joint of the toe sticks upward.
The toe doesn't lie flat against the ground.
The toe looks different from the corresponding toe on your other foot.
Your toe rubs against the top or front of your shoe.
In the early stages, you may still be able to straighten the toe with your fingers. Over time, however, the tendons and joints can become tighter, potentially making the deformity more rigid.
7 Signs You May Have a Hammertoe
A bent toe isn't the only clue. Here are some of the most common hammertoe symptoms to watch for.
1. Your Toe Is Becoming Bent or Curled
The most obvious sign of hammertoe is a change in the shape of the toe.
If a toe that used to lie flat has gradually developed a noticeable bend, it may be worth having it evaluated by a foot specialist.
2. Your Shoes Have Become Uncomfortable
Do you find yourself avoiding certain shoes because they press against your toes?
A hammertoe can create a prominent area over the bent joint. Shoes that don't have enough room in the toe box may rub against this area, causing irritation and discomfort.
You may notice pain when wearing:
Dress shoes
High heels
Narrow shoes
Tight athletic shoes
Shoes with a shallow toe box
3. You've Developed a Corn or Callus
Repeated friction and pressure can cause thickened areas of skin.
A corn or callus on top of a toe is a common sign that the toe is rubbing against your footwear. Calluses may also develop underneath the toe because of abnormal pressure when you walk.
If you keep treating a corn but it continues to come back, the underlying position of the toe may be contributing to the problem.
4. Your Toe Feels Stiff
You may notice that the affected toe doesn't move as easily as it once did.
Early hammertoes may remain flexible, while more advanced deformities can become increasingly stiff and difficult to straighten.
5. Your Toe Hurts When You Walk
Hammertoe doesn't always cause pain. However, as the toe rubs against shoes or experiences increased pressure while walking, discomfort can develop.
Pain may be especially noticeable after spending a long time on your feet.
6. The Toe Is Difficult to Straighten
Try gently straightening the affected toe.
If you can straighten it but it immediately bends back, or if you cannot comfortably straighten it at all, you may have a more established deformity.
It's important not to force a painful or stiff toe into a straight position. An examination by a podiatrist can help determine how flexible the deformity is and what treatment may be appropriate.
7. Your Toe Is Swollen or Irritated
Swelling, skin irritation, or changes in the skin around the affected joint can occur when the toe repeatedly rubs against footwear.
What Causes Hammertoe?
There isn't always one single cause of hammertoe.
Several factors may contribute, including:
Poorly fitting shoes: Shoes that squeeze the toes or have a narrow toe box can force the toes into an abnormal position.
Muscle and tendon imbalance: Changes in the balance of the muscles and tendons that control the toes can contribute to the development of a hammertoe.
Previous toe injury: A stubbed, jammed, or broken toe may be more likely to develop a deformity afterward.
Arthritis and other conditions: Certain medical conditions can increase the risk of foot and toe problems.
Sometimes, however, a hammertoe develops without an obvious cause.
Hammertoe vs. Mallet Toe: What's the Difference?
Hammertoe and mallet toe can look similar, but they affect different joints.
A hammertoe bends at the middle joint of the toe.
A mallet toe bends at the joint closest to the toenail.
Both conditions can cause pain, difficulty wearing shoes, and corns or calluses from increased pressure and friction.
Because several toe conditions can cause similar symptoms, an examination can help determine exactly what is causing your discomfort.
Can You Treat Hammertoe Without Surgery?
In many cases, treatment starts with conservative options, particularly when the toe is still flexible.
Depending on your symptoms and the severity of the deformity, treatment may include:
Wearing shoes with a wider, roomier toe box
Avoiding shoes that squeeze the toes
Using pads or other devices to reduce pressure
Custom or over-the-counter orthotics when appropriate
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Taping or other methods to help reposition the toe
These treatments may help reduce pressure and discomfort, especially in earlier stages.
If the hammertoe becomes rigid or continues to cause significant pain despite conservative treatment, surgery may sometimes be considered.
The right treatment depends on the individual and the severity of the deformity.
When Should You See a Podiatrist for a Hammertoe?
You don't have to wait until your toe becomes severely painful before having it evaluated.
Consider scheduling an appointment if:
Your toe is becoming increasingly bent.
You have persistent toe pain.
You regularly develop corns or calluses.
Your shoes are becoming difficult to wear.
You have trouble straightening your toe.
Foot pain is affecting your walking or daily activities.
At-home changes haven't improved your symptoms.
A foot and ankle specialist can examine the toe, assess its flexibility and alignment, and determine whether imaging such as an X-ray is appropriate.
Don't Ignore a Changing Toe
A hammertoe may start as a small cosmetic change that doesn't cause much trouble. Over time, however, the toe can become stiffer, and pressure from shoes can lead to recurring corns, calluses, and pain.
If you've noticed that one of your toes is becoming bent, curled, painful, or difficult to straighten, it's worth finding out what's causing the change.
The sooner a hammertoe is evaluated, the sooner you can understand your treatment options and take steps to protect your feet.
If you're concerned that you may have a hammertoe, contact Greenville's Foot & Ankle to schedule an evaluation and get personalized recommendations for your foot health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hammertoe
What is the first sign of a hammertoe?
One of the first noticeable signs is a toe that begins to bend at the middle joint rather than lying flat. Some people also notice stiffness, shoe discomfort, or a developing corn or callus.
Can a hammertoe go away on its own?
A hammertoe is a structural deformity, so it generally doesn't simply disappear on its own. However, appropriate footwear and other conservative treatments may help reduce pain and pressure, particularly when the toe is still flexible.
Is hammertoe painful?
It can be, although some people have little or no pain initially. Pain can develop when the bent toe rubs against footwear or when pressure causes corns and calluses.
Can wearing tight shoes cause hammertoe?
Shoes that squeeze the toes, particularly those with narrow toe boxes or high heels, can contribute to hammertoe by crowding the toes into an abnormal position.
Should I see a podiatrist for a hammertoe?
If the toe is painful, becoming increasingly bent, difficult to straighten, or interfering with walking or wearing shoes, a podiatric evaluation can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have persistent or worsening foot pain, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
