Orthopedics:
Conditions

A hammertoe is a deformity that involves a toe other than the big toe. In this condition, the toe is bent at the middle joint so that it resembles a hammer. This can lead to calluses and pain with shoewear and activity. It can also cause pain on the bottom of the foot because the padding is altered. Early hammertoes can be flexible and can be treated with inserts, shoewear modification, or padding for the toes. When they become more rigid and fixed, they may require surgery to realign them.