Problems Hammer Toes Hammer toes are a condition often seen along with bunions . The second and fifth toes are the most common to become hammer toes. The cause is most commonly an inherited muscle imbalance. Sometimes an abnormal bone length can contribute to this condition, so that the toe buckles, causing the joint to contract. This in turn causes the tendons to shorten.
Corns can form inside the toe as well.
Hammer toes may be flexible or rigid. They may involve a curling of the toe not only upward or downward, but to the side, and can press into an adjacent toe. Surgery Surgical correction of hammer toes and curled toes can be performed in an outpatient surgical center or in the doctor's office, with follow-up visits to the doctor. See your podiatrist for more information. The goal is to return your feet to a condition where you can wear any shoes that you wish.