Hammertoe and mallet toe

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition

A hammertoe is a toe that's curled due to a bend in the middle joint of a toe. Mallet toe is similar, but affects the upper joint of a toe. The differences between hammertoe and mallet toe are subtle. Both conditions are commonly caused by shoes that are too short or heels that are too high. Under these conditions, your toe may be forced against the front of your shoe, resulting in an unnatural bending of your toe.

Both hammertoe and mallet toe can cause your toe to press against the top of the toe box of your shoe, causing pain and pressure. In addition, you may have pain from a hard growth of skin (corn) on the top of your toe that can form where your toe rubs against your shoe. Pain may also result from calluses that develop under the tip of your toe or on the ball of your foot.

Unlike a bunion, which affects only your big toe, hammertoe and mallet toe can affect any toe. Most commonly, hammertoe and mallet toe occur in your second toe. Generally, both joints of the toe are affected, causing your toe to bend upward in the middle, giving it a hammer-like or claw-like appearance.

Aside from wearing crowded shoes, hammertoe and mallet toe may result from muscle and nerve damage (neuropathy) caused by conditions such as diabetes, stroke, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Relieving the pain and pressure may involve changing footwear and wearing shoe inserts. More severe cases may require surgery.

Symptoms