Notice one of your toes bending abnormally at the middle joint, resembling a hammer or an upside-down ‘V’? You might be dealing with a hammertoe.

This common foot deformity isn’t just about appearance; it can lead to significant pain, irritation, and difficulty wearing shoes. At Wayne Foot & Ankle Center, we treat and manage this problem all the time, so read on for some straight talk on bent toes!

What Is a Hammertoe, Really?

A hammertoe involves an abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe (usually the second, third, or fourth), called the proximal interphalangeal joint or PIP joint. Instead of lying flat, the middle part of the toe buckles upwards, while the end of the toe may point downwards.

• Initially, a hammertoe might be flexible, meaning you can manually straighten it. Over time, however, without intervention, it can become rigid and permanently fixed in the bent position.

The Root Causes: Why Toes Bend

Hammertoes usually develop due to an imbalance in the muscles and tendons that control toe movement. Contributing factors often include:

• Muscle/Tendon Imbalance: This is often the primary reason causing the toe joints to contract abnormally.
• Shoe Choices: Shoes that are too tight in the toe box, too short, or have high heels can cramp toes and force them into a bent position over time.
• Other Factors: Arthritis, previous toe injuries, or even inherited foot structure can increase your risk.

Spotting the Signs: More Than Just a Crooked Look

How do you know if you have a hammertoe? Look beyond the bend for…

• Pain & Irritation >> Often felt on the top of the bent middle joint, where it constantly rubs against the inside of your shoe.
• Corns & Calluses >> These thick patches of skin frequently develop on the top of the buckled joint or even on the tip of the toe due to friction.
• Redness & Swelling >> Inflammation can occur around the affected joint.
• Shoe Struggles >> Finding shoes that fit comfortably without aggravating the bent toe becomes increasingly difficult.

Flexible vs. Rigid: Why Early Action Matters

Catching a hammertoe while it’s still flexible is key!

Flexible hammertoes are generally easier to manage with non-surgical treatments. Waiting until the toe becomes rigid often limits conservative options and makes the problem harder to address. Ignoring the issue allows the deformity – and often the pain – to worsen over time.

Finding Relief (Diagnosis First!)

We diagnose a hammertoe through a physical exam and, potentially, via X-rays. Understanding whether the deformity is flexible or rigid helps guide our treatment approach, and with the right information, we can beat the bend for good!

Questions? Concerns? Dr. Lindsey Calligaro at Wayne Foot & Ankle Center is happy to help. Our team has the tools, techniques, and proven expertise to treat your feet. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!