Hammer Toes A hammer toe is a structural abnormality that can occur in one or more toes resulting in the toe or toes curling under instead of being straight.
Hammer toe can affect any toe, but most commonly occurs in the second toe.
This abnormality gives the foot a claw-like appearance, sometimes making it difficult to walk because normal balance is affected. This problem may affect one or both feet. Besides its claw-like appearance and affect on balance, symptoms of a hammer toe result from irritation that occurs when the foot rubs against the inside of the shoe. If a person with a hammer toe were to go barefoot all the time, the pain and swelling would not occur. However, most people need to wear shoes, which can make the symptoms appear or get worse.