A hammer toe is a common foot deformity that visibly alters the shape of one or more toes. It develops when an abnormal bend occurs, causing a distinctive appearance. This article describes what a hammer toe looks like, detailing its characteristic bend and other visual signs.
The Defining Bend
A hammer toe is primarily identified by a specific bend in the affected toe. This bend typically occurs at the middle joint of the toe, known as the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. This causes the toe to buckle, with the middle portion rising up and the end of the toe bending downward, creating a shape that resembles a hammer. This condition most frequently affects the second, third, or fourth toes.
The visual presentation of a hammer toe can vary based on its flexibility. A “flexible” hammer toe can still be manually straightened or moved. In contrast, a “rigid” hammer toe is fixed in its bent position and cannot be straightened by hand. This rigidity often results from the tightening of soft tissues around the joint over time, making the toe appear permanently curled.
Accompanying Visual Cues
Beyond the defining bend, a hammer toe often presents with other visual indicators. Corns and calluses frequently form on the affected toe. These thickened areas of skin typically appear on the top of the bent PIP joint where it rubs against footwear, or on the very tip of the toe where it presses against the ground.
Redness, swelling, or skin irritation around the affected joint may also be present, indicating inflammation from constant friction or pressure. The abnormal position of the toe can lead to a visible widening of the forefoot or cause the affected toe to overlap with adjacent toes. Individuals may also experience a limitation in their ability to move or straighten the affected toe.
Differentiating from Other Toe Deformities
Distinguishing a hammer toe from other similar-looking toe deformities is based on the specific joints involved in the bend. A mallet toe, for instance, involves a bend at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, which is the joint closest to the toenail or tip of the toe. In this condition, the rest of the toe usually remains straight, with only the very end of the toe curling downwards.
A claw toe presents a more complex visual deformity, involving multiple joints. The toe bends upward at the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, located where the toe connects to the foot. Simultaneously, it bends downward at both the PIP and DIP joints, causing the entire toe to curl significantly, resembling a claw. This distinct multi-joint bending visually separates it from the single-joint bend characteristic of a hammer toe.