Hammer Toe / Claw Toe

These deformities develop most frequently when pressure from a bunion (hallux valgus) causes the adjacent toe to contract and bend downward (hammer toe) or upward (claw position) in an abnormal position. In the early stages, hammer toe/claw toe contractions are reversible. However, as the condition progresses, the contraction becomes permanent and active extension of the toe muscles is not possible. In many cases, a corn develops on top of the deformed toe due to constant pressure from shoes.

Hammer toe/claw toe deformities are usually corrected during surgery for correction of hallux valgus or hallux rigidus. Parts of the joint surfaces are selectively removed in order to straighten the toe. The toe is then secured in place with a fixation wire. After surgery, a special decompression shoe must be worn for a few weeks to reduce the pressure on the toe. Shoe inserts or padding can help to reduce the pressure on the toes in mild cases with discrete deformities.