Hammer toe (claw toe)

Symptoms

In a hammertoe, the deformity occurs in the first toe joint, in a claw toe it usually occurs in both toe joints. This condition can still be flexible or already stiff. The problem is more common if you have a hollow foot. Usually you have pain on the upper side of the toe (friction and calluses), sometimes also on the lower side at the level of the tip of the toe. Wounds can occur and even infection of the joints is possible.

Treatment

A flexible hammertoe can be corrected with the use of an orthotic or brace. Sometimes the second toe is forced into a hammer position by a severe hallux valgus and correction of the second toe is not enough. In this case the big toe must also be corrected to give the second toe room.

A stiff hammer toe often requires surgery.