Hammer Toes: Early Signs, Causes, and Treatment Options

Need a foot doctor in Brooklyn, NY, to treat hammer toes? Turn to Metro Healthcare Partners today!

Wearing the wrong shoes can do more than cause temporary discomfort due to a tight toe box or a high heel. Hammer toes are a common problem caused by improper footwear. So, what are hammer toes, and how do they affect your quality of life?

Addressing issues with your toes may require the expertise of a podiatrist in Brooklyn, NY, which you can find through Metro Healthcare Partners. Here, we explain what you should know about hammer toes, including diagnosis and treatment options. 

What To Know About Hammer Toes

Up to 20% of reported foot and ankle injuries involve a deformity of the lesser toes, making hammer toes a common foot problem, according to StatPearls. But what are hammer toes? The condition refers to the joint contracture of the lesser toes that causes them to bend unnaturally at the second joint. 

The problem with having a hammer toe is the effect it can have on your ability to walk. Without treatment, the hammer-like shape of the affected toe can freeze in place, making it difficult to walk correctly or wear shoes comfortably. 

According to the 2025 Foot Pain Trends Report, over 80% of people in the U.S. experience foot pain, which can limit daily activities. For instance, a study in Arthritis Care & Research estimates that about 25% of people between 18 and 65 develop hallux valgus, or bunions, which primarily affects the big toe. Hammer toes are just one type of toe deformity that can limit your mobility or cause persistent pain.

What Causes Hammer Toes?

If you’re wondering about what causes hammer toes to develop, you’re not alone. The issue is common, mainly due to people wearing improper footwear.

Tight shoes, shoes with narrow toe boxes, and high heels can cause muscle imbalance by shifting the toes out of position. The longer the toes are out of position, the tendons and muscles in your toes will adjust to the cramped position and freeze up. The condition can become severe enough to keep your toes curled permanently. 

Common Symptoms and Risk Factors of Hammer Toes

You may not feel a lot of pain when a hammer toe first develops. Unfortunately, pain and discomfort will eventually settle in your toes and feet, especially when walking or wearing shoes. 

Other problems include:

• Problems walking comfortably
• Swelling or redness in your toes
• Inability to move or straighten your curled toes
• Calluses or corns on the tip of the toe or on its middle joint

Not everyone will develop hammer toes, even after wearing the occasional tight shoe. However, women are more likely to have this foot issue, as well as people with diabetes and arthritis. Both conditions increase the risk of future foot problems. 

How Physicians Diagnose This Toe Deformity

After learning the answer to “What are hammer toes?” you may wonder how podiatrists diagnose the condition. A diagnosis usually involves a physical examination of your foot and toes, specifically the toe joints. You can expect the doctor to move your toes around to assess joint movement.

You’ll also need to provide details about your daily activities and habits, such as the types of shoes you wear consistently. In some cases, the podiatrist may order diagnostic imaging, like an X-ray, to take a closer look at your bony structures. 

Surgical and Conservative Treatment Options

One of the best ways to prevent the early stages of hammer toe from progressing is to change your footwear. Opt for shoes with spacious toe boxes, and limit your use of high heels. 

Exercises that strengthen foot muscles are also helpful. You can manually stretch your digits or use your toes to pick up a towel lying flat on the ground. Sometimes, surgical correction is necessary to fix immobile hammer toes that don’t respond to conservative treatments. Procedures may include:

• Tendon transfer: If you have a flexible toe joint, a surgeon may transfer tendons to the top of the toe from its underside to straighten the digit. 
• Tendon lengthening: A flexible toe joint may also allow for the lengthening of the tendon to help rebalance the joint. 
• Joint fusion: Tendon lengthening sometimes requires the surgeon to remove a small portion of the toe joint, allowing the toe to extend fully. They will also use a pin, wire, or internal plate to keep the bones in place. 

Seek Personalized Treatments From a Skilled Foot Doctor in Brooklyn, NY

Now that you know the answer to “What are hammer toes?” you can find a podiatrist in Brooklyn, New York through Metro Healthcare Partners. Board-certified podiatrists within our directory understand common foot injuries and their treatment options. They can help you begin your recovery with personalized treatment plans. 

Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Our office also takes most private and commercial insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid. Same-day appointments may be available. Call (718) 874-1204 today to connect with a licensed podiatrist in Brooklyn, NY, to treat your hammer toes or other foot deformities. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Hammer Toes

Learn more about hammer toes and treatment options. 

What Is the Early Stage of Mild Hammer Toes?

The early stage of mild hammer toes usually includes a noticeable downward curl in a toe’s middle joint. The affected toe will likely be flexible and pain-free at first.

Can Medical Conditions Cause a Toe Joint Contracture?

Nerve damage, arthritis, and diabetes may contribute to toe deformities. 

What Are Hammer Toes and the Stages of the Condition?

A hammer toe is a common deformity in which the middle toes bend downward, like a hammer, leading to corns, pain, stiffness, and calluses. The affected toe may start out flexible, then become semi-rigid, and finally completely rigid. 

How Can I Prevent Foot Pain From Hammer Toes?

You can avoid hammer-toe-related foot pain by wearing shoes with ample toe space and minimizing your usage of high-heeled shoes. You should also address foot pain as early as possible to avoid chronic issues.