Do I Have Hammertoe?

Do you have one or more toes that are bent and look like a hammer?

Do you have a pain or irritation of the affected toe when wearing shoes?

Do you have a pain at the top of the bent toe?

Do you have corns and calluses (a buildup of skin) on the toe, between two toes or on the ball of the foot?

Do you have a pain in the ball of the foot at the base of the affected toe?

Do you have swelling, redness or a burning sensation in the joint of the affected toe?

Do you have restricted or painful motion of the toe joint?

Do you have an inability to straighten your toe?

Do you have, open sores on your toe?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a hammertoe. A hammertoe is a type of foot deformity characterized by abnormal bending of the middle joint of the toes. A hammertoe is the result of weakened toe muscles due to which the tendons (the strips of tissue that connect the muscles to the bones) shorten, causing the toes to bend under the feet. It can affect one or multiple toes, although a hammertoe most commonly involves the second toe. A hammertoe can be caused by an underlying health condition, wearing shoes that do not fit properly, previous injuries to the toes or a genetic predisposition.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a hammertoe. A hammertoe is a foot disorder characterized by abnormal bending of your toes caused by improper balance of muscles, tendons and ligaments that play a role in keeping your toes upright. There are two types of hammertoes: flexible and rigid. Flexible hammertoes occur in the early phase of the deformity, with the affected toes still mobile in the joint. Rigid hammertoes are characteristic of the advanced stage of the disease when the affected toes are stiff and almost immobile. Your doctor can make a diagnosis based on a foot examination.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have a hammertoe. A hammertoe is a common deformity of the foot, which is characterized by abnormal bending of the toes. The toes are bent down looking like a hammer. The second, third and fourth toes are most commonly affected. People with this deformity usually have problems and discomfort when wearing shoes. There are different treatment options for hammertoe. If your toe is still flexible, your doctor may recommend that you change into more comfortable shoes, wear insoles for shoes (orthopedics), and do exercises to stretch and strengthen your toe muscles. In severe cases, surgery is needed.