Hammer toes are classified based on the mobility of the toe joints. There are two types - flexible and rigid. In a flexible hammer toe, the joint has the ability to move. This type of hammer toe can be straightened manually. A rigid hammer toe does not have that same ability to move.
Movement is very limited and can be extremely painful.
Hammer toes result from a muscle imbalance which causes the ligaments and tendons to become unnaturally tight. This results in the joint curling downwards. Arthritis can also lead to many different forefoot deformities, including hammer toes. Changing the type of footwear worn is a very important step in the treatment of hammer toes. A shoe with a high, broad toe box will provide enough room in the forefoot area so that there is less friction against the toes.