Hammer toe is a deformity of the joint of the second, third or fourth toes causing them to be permanently bent.
Symptoms may include:
- Evidence of toes clawing or crossing over each other
- Pain in toes
- Rigid and immobile toes
- Some difficulty in moving
- Change in walking gait
- Pressure on other areas from not loading the foot correctly
- Pain in ankles, knees or hips due to a change in movement patterns
- Development of corns and callouses
You occasionally see this in children who are born with the condition.
Possible causes include:
- Ill-fitting shoes – too tight, narrow or small
A shoe with a wide toe box and thicker sole can help those suffering from hammer toes - the extra length and the soft upper in the shoe may help them feel more comfortable.
Talk with a Sole Mechanics foot technician to discuss the shoe features that are right for you and discover foot comfort.
book a foot health assessment