A hammer toe is a change in the position of one of the smaller toes, causing it to bend at the middle joint instead of sitting flat. Hammer toes should be checked when they become painful, rub against shoes, cause recurring corns or make walking uncomfortable.
Some hammer toes remain flexible and can still be moved into a straighter position. Others become more rigid over time. Having the toe assessed early can help identify what is causing the change and reduce pressure before the area becomes increasingly uncomfortable.
If you have noticed one or more toes beginning to curl or bend, a podiatrist can assess the position of the toe, your footwear and the way pressure is being distributed across your feet.
What does a hammer toe look like?
A hammer toe usually affects the second, third or fourth toe. The middle joint lifts upwards while the end of the toe points down towards the floor. This creates a raised area that may rub against the top of a shoe.
The toe may initially remain flexible, particularly during the earlier stages. As the joints and surrounding tissues become tighter, it may become more difficult to straighten.
Hammer toes can sometimes be confused with claw toes or mallet toes. These conditions affect the joints in slightly different ways, but they can all create pressure, rubbing and discomfort inside footwear. A podiatrist can determine which type of toe change is present.
What causes hammer toes?
Hammer toes can develop when the muscles and tendons controlling a toe become unbalanced. This may pull the toe into a bent position and change the way it contacts the ground or fits inside a shoe.
Factors that may contribute include:
- Shoes that are too short, narrow or shallow around the toes
- Wearing high heels or shoes that push the toes forward
- Bunions changing the position of the smaller toes
- Arthritis affecting the toe joints
- Differences in foot structure and function
- Previous toe injuries
- Muscle weakness or imbalance
- Certain neurological or medical conditions
Footwear is not always the only cause, but poorly fitting shoes can increase pressure on a bent toe and make symptoms worse.
People with arthritis may also experience changes in joint position and toe shape. You can learn more about arthritis podiatry on the Gold Coast.
What are the symptoms of a hammer toe?
Some hammer toes do not cause pain straight away. The first sign may simply be a visible change in the position of the toe.
As pressure increases, you may notice:
- Pain when wearing enclosed shoes
- Redness or irritation over the raised joint
- A corn developing on top of the toe
- Thickened skin underneath the toe or ball of the foot
- Swelling around the joint
- Difficulty straightening the toe
- Pain when standing or walking
- The toe rubbing against neighbouring toes
- Difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably
Corns and calluses form in response to repeated pressure or friction. Removing the thickened skin may provide temporary relief, but the pressure causing it also needs to be considered.
Read more about professional corn and callus treatment options.
When should a hammer toe be checked?
It is worth arranging a podiatry assessment if the toe is painful, changing position or regularly rubbing against your footwear.
You should also have the area checked if:
- A corn keeps returning in the same place
- The toe is becoming increasingly rigid
- Your shoes are causing redness, rubbing or blisters
- The toe is affecting how you walk
- You have pain underneath the ball of the foot
- The nail is becoming difficult to manage
- The skin has cracked or broken down
People with diabetes, reduced sensation or circulation concerns should seek professional advice before attempting to remove a corn or treat broken skin at home. These conditions can make it harder to feel an injury and may affect healing.
How does a podiatrist assess hammer toes?
Your podiatrist will examine the position and movement of the affected toe. They may check whether it remains flexible, where pressure is developing and whether a corn or callus has formed.
The assessment may also include:
- Reviewing your regular footwear
- Assessing the movement of your toe joints
- Checking the position of the neighbouring toes
- Looking for bunions or other structural changes
- Observing how you stand and walk
- Checking for pressure underneath the forefoot
- Reviewing your medical history and current symptoms
This helps determine whether the hammer toe can be managed conservatively or whether further investigation or referral may be appropriate.
How can a podiatrist help with hammer toes?
Treatment depends on the flexibility of the toe, the level of discomfort and what is creating pressure around the joint.
Footwear changes
Choosing shoes with enough length, width and depth can reduce rubbing across the raised joint. A wide toe area gives the toes more room and may make walking more comfortable.
A podiatrist can assess the shoes you currently wear and recommend suitable features. The Foot Stop provides professional footwear advice on the Gold Coast.
Padding and pressure relief
Padding or other offloading options may help reduce friction between the toe and the shoe. These need to fit correctly so they do not create additional pressure elsewhere.
If a painful corn or callus has developed, a podiatrist can reduce the thickened skin safely and discuss ways to reduce its recurrence.
Exercises and toe mobility
When a hammer toe remains flexible, selected exercises may help maintain movement and support the muscles controlling the toes. Exercises should be recommended according to the individual toe position and underlying cause.
Orthotics
Orthotics do not physically straighten a rigid hammer toe. However, they may be considered when foot function is contributing to pressure under the toes or forefoot.
A podiatrist can determine whether custom orthotics are appropriate for your foot structure, symptoms and footwear.
Referral for further treatment
Some rigid or severely painful hammer toes may require assessment by a doctor or foot and ankle surgeon. Your podiatrist can explain when further investigation or referral should be considered.
Can hammer toes be prevented from worsening?
Not every hammer toe can be prevented, particularly when foot structure, arthritis or another medical condition is involved. However, reducing unnecessary pressure may help keep the area more comfortable.
Helpful steps can include:
- Wearing shoes with enough room around the toes
- Avoiding shoes that force the toes into a curled position
- Having recurring corns professionally assessed
- Checking your feet regularly for rubbing or skin changes
- Seeking help when the toe begins affecting your walking or footwear
Book a hammer toe assessment on the Gold Coast
A hammer toe may begin as a small change, but ongoing pressure can make shoes and everyday movement increasingly uncomfortable. Early assessment can help identify the cause and provide practical options for reducing rubbing, pressure and pain.
The Foot Stop provides comprehensive podiatry services on the Gold Coast from our Elanora clinic.
Request an appointment with The Foot Stop if you have noticed a bent toe, recurring corn or discomfort when wearing shoes.