Can a hammer toe be straightened without surgery?

If the toe is still flexible, roomy shoes, padding, orthotics, taping and toe exercises can relieve pain and may keep the toe from becoming rigid, though they rarely restore a perfectly straight toe. Once the joint is fixed, only surgery can straighten it.

What does hammer toe surgery involve?

Common procedures include cutting or lengthening a tight tendon for flexible deformities, or removing a small section of bone at the joint and sometimes fusing it with a pin for rigid ones. It is usually a day-case operation under local anaesthetic, with a few weeks in a surgical shoe. Swelling can take months to settle fully.

Should I remove a corn on my hammer toe myself?

Avoid cutting corns or using acid-based corn plasters, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation, as this can lead to wounds and infection. A podiatrist can safely reduce the corn, and addressing the pressure with better shoes and padding stops it returning.

MusculoskeletalICD-10: M20.4Common, especially in women and older adults

Hammer Toe

Also known as: Hammertoe, Contracted toe, Claw toe

A hammer toe is a deformity in which the middle joint of a toe, usually the second, third or fourth, bends downward so the toe resembles a hammer. It develops when the muscles and tendons that straighten and bend the toe become unbalanced, often from wearing tight or high-heeled shoes that crowd the toes, or from a bunion pushing the big toe against its neighbour. In the early stages the toe is still flexible and can be straightened by hand; over time it can become rigid and fixed. The bent joint rubs against shoes, causing painful corns and calluses. Roomier shoes, padding and exercises help flexible hammer toes, while rigid, painful deformities may need surgery.

At a Glance

Common symptoms: A toe bent downward at the middle joint, with the tip pressing into the ground, Pain or irritation when wearing shoes, Corns or calluses on the top of the bent joint or on the tip of the toe
Main treatments: Switching to shoes with a wide, deep toe box and low heel that give the toes room, Pads, cushions or toe sleeves to protect corns and reduce friction, Custom or over-the-counter orthotic inserts to redistribute pressure and support the foot
Category: Musculoskeletal · Common, especially in women and older adults
See a doctor if: A toe that is becoming increasingly bent or stiff

Symptoms

A toe bent downward at the middle joint, with the tip pressing into the ground

Pain or irritation when wearing shoes

Corns or calluses on the top of the bent joint or on the tip of the toe

Redness and swelling at the joint

Difficulty straightening the toe, or inability to do so in rigid cases

Pain in the ball of the foot beneath the affected toe

Causes

Shoes that are too tight, narrow or high-heeled, forcing the toes into a bent position
Muscle and tendon imbalance in the foot
A bunion crowding the second toe
A second toe that is longer than the big toe
Arthritis, diabetes or nerve damage that weakens foot muscles
Injury such as stubbing, jamming or breaking a toe

Risk Factors

Being female, largely due to footwear choices
Older age, as the deformity progresses over time
A long second toe or flat feet and high arches
Bunions
Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or neurological conditions affecting foot muscles
Family history of toe deformities

Diagnosis

Physical examination of the foot and assessment of whether the toe is flexible or rigid
Review of footwear and symptoms
X-rays to assess the joints and bones if surgery is being considered
Checking for related problems such as bunions, nerve damage or poor circulation

Treatment

Switching to shoes with a wide, deep toe box and low heel that give the toes room
Pads, cushions or toe sleeves to protect corns and reduce friction
Custom or over-the-counter orthotic inserts to redistribute pressure and support the foot
Toe exercises such as picking up marbles or a towel with your toes, and gentle stretching of a flexible hammer toe
Over-the-counter pain relievers and careful treatment of corns by a podiatrist
Surgery to release tendons, remove a small piece of bone or fuse the joint for rigid, painful hammer toes that do not respond to other measures
Supportive: a splint or tape to hold a flexible toe straighter, as advised by a podiatrist

Prevention

Wear shoes with a roomy toe box and heels under about 5 centimetres
Have your feet measured, as foot size changes with age, and buy shoes in the afternoon when feet are largest
Avoid pointed-toe shoes for extended periods
Stretch and strengthen your toes regularly
Treat bunions early to prevent crowding of the lesser toes
If you have diabetes, inspect your feet daily and have regular podiatry checks

When to See a Doctor

A toe that is becoming increasingly bent or stiff
Pain, corns or sores that do not improve with roomier shoes and padding
An open sore, redness or signs of infection on the toe, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation
Difficulty walking or finding comfortable footwear
Numbness or colour changes in the toe

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Bunion

Musculoskeletal

Ingrown Toenail

Dermatological

Diabetic Neuropathy

Neurological

Arthritis

Musculoskeletal

Flat Feet

Musculoskeletal

Have questions about Hammer Toe?

Ask Mother Nature AI for personalized, evidence-based guidance.

Ask about Hammer Toe

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Content reviewed against peer-reviewed medical literature and clinical guidelines. Read our editorial standards.