Treating Hammer Toes Hammer toes are a common deformity of the feet where the joints at the ends of the toes bend down, while the toe joints closer to the foot bend up. Hammer toes can be caused by a spreading forefoot, a nerve abnormality or improper shoe fit.
Hammer toes are also hereditary.
Once hammer toes are formed, they may stiffen permanently into position. If that happens, you may experience painful corns and calluses since your toes are more likely to rub on shoes. To relieve the pain hammer toes may cause, wear shoes with a high toe box, or cushion pressure spots with adhesive donut-shaped pads from a drugstore. If pain persists, surgery can be performed to correct the deformity. The type of surgery depends on the degree of flexibility of the toe and joints involved.