Hammer toe

Hammer toe is a condition in which a toe assumes a bent downward position like a claw. The condition can be present at birth or it can develop from wearing short, narrow shoes. The symptoms of hammer toe include foot pain, callus formation on the sole of the foot or corn formation on the top of the affected toe. Treatment of mild cases and cases in children can include foot manipulation and splinting of the affected toe. More severe cases may require surgery to straighten the toe joint. Proper footwear is essential.

Review Date: 12/2/2019

Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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