In general, the term “hammertoe” describes a buckling of any of the toe joints. Joints at the end or middle of the toe, as well as the joint near the ball of the foot, may be affected. Toe joints usually curl because of a muscle imbalance or tight tendons. Hammertoes vary in severity and in the number of joints and toes involved. Hammertoes may also be associated with a corn. Corns are extra hard skin that develops on the toes due to pressure and friction from the shoe. 

Types of Hammertoes

Hammertoes may be flexible or rigid, depending on the joint’s ability to move.  
A Flexible Joint

A flexible joint may become more rigid as you age. You can straighten a flexible hammertoe with your fingers. 

A Rigid Joint

A rigid hammertoe cannot be moved, even with the fingers. Rigid joints may cause pain and distort foot movement. This may put extra stress on the ball of the foot, causing callus. 

Physical Exam

On physical exam by a doctor, a test is done to see if the hammertoe deformity is flexible or rigid. X-rays may be taken to determine whether or not the joint is affected by arthritis.

Treatment

If your symptoms are mild, changing shoes may be all the treatment you need. Shoes that are wider or have a higher toe box may help. Using a splint or pad may help to hold the toes straight. If symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed. The type of procedure performed often depends on whether your toe joints are flexible or rigid. 

Flexible Joints

To release a buckled joint, the tight tendon is cut and/ or repositioned.

Rigid Joints

A piece of bone may be removed to help straighten a rigid toe. This procedure is called an arthroplasty. Sometimes, pins are used to hold the remaining bone in position during healing. Depending on the severity of the problem, after a piece of bone is removed, fibrous tissue fills in the gap or the toe is fused. 

Almost all hammertoe surgeries are outpatient procedures. These procedures are ambulatory foot surgeries and you may be able to bear weight on your foot by the time you go home. Your foot will be bandaged after surgery. A surgical shoe may need to be worn for several weeks, to support the healing g process. Ice and elevation is oftentimes necessary to reduce swelling. Healing time generally will take between 4-6 weeks.