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Hammer Toes — Care & Treatment

Professional Foot Care for Toe Deformities

Expert assessment, corn and callus management, and supportive care for hammer toes at our clinic in Vaasa.

What Are Hammer Toes?

Hammer toes are toe deformities where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like or claw-like shape. The condition usually affects the second, third, or fourth toes and can cause pain, difficulty wearing shoes, and the development of corns and calluses on the affected toes.

In the early stages, the toes may still be flexible and can be straightened manually. Over time, the tendons and joints stiffen, and the deformity becomes rigid. Early attention and proper foot care can help slow progression and keep you comfortable.

Types of Toe Deformity

Hammer Toe

The toe bends downward at the middle joint. The tip of the toe points down while the middle joint pushes up. Most commonly affects the second toe.

Claw Toe

The toe bends at both the middle and end joints, curling under like a claw. Often affects multiple toes at once and is common with neurological conditions.

Mallet Toe

Only the joint nearest the tip of the toe bends downward. The toe looks like it has a mallet-shaped end. Usually affects the second toe.

Common Causes

  • Footwear — tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes force the toes into a bent position over time
  • Muscle imbalance — when the muscles and tendons controlling the toe become unbalanced, the joint bends
  • Bunions — a bunion can push the big toe against the second toe, causing it to bend
  • Genetics — inherited foot structure and toe length can predispose you
  • Injury — a broken, stubbed, or jammed toe may develop a deformity
  • Arthritis — inflammatory joint conditions can affect toe alignment
  • Neurological conditions — diabetes, stroke, or nerve damage can cause claw toes
  • Age — the risk increases with age as tendons lose flexibility

How We Help with Hammer Toes

As foot care specialists, we provide practical support to manage the symptoms and complications of hammer toes. While surgical correction is performed by an orthopaedic specialist, our hands-on care helps you stay comfortable daily:

What we offer:

  • Assessment of your toe deformities and associated foot problems
  • Removal of corns and calluses on the tops, tips, and between the toes
  • Application of silicone toe props, sleeves, and cushions for protection
  • Padding and taping to reduce pressure and friction in shoes
  • Footwear advice — helping you find shoes that accommodate your toes
  • Nail care for affected toes where access is difficult
  • Referral guidance if surgical evaluation is appropriate
Important to know: A jalkahoitaja manages the skin and nail problems caused by hammer toes — corns, calluses, and pressure areas. We do not perform surgical correction, but we can make a significant difference in your daily comfort and help you decide when specialist referral may be beneficial.

Self-Care Tips for Hammer Toes

Footwear choices

  • Choose shoes with a deep, wide toe box to give toes space
  • Avoid pointed-toe shoes and heels higher than 3 cm
  • Look for soft, flexible uppers that do not press on raised joints
  • Consider shoes with adjustable closures (laces, velcro) for a custom fit
  • Shop for shoes at the end of the day when feet are slightly larger

Exercises for flexible hammer toes

  • Toe stretches — gently straighten the bent toe and hold for 15 seconds
  • Towel curls — place a towel on the floor and scrunch it with your toes
  • Marble pickup — pick up marbles with your toes to strengthen foot muscles
  • Toe spreads — spread your toes as wide as possible and hold for 5 seconds

Protective measures

  • Use silicone toe sleeves or gel pads on raised joints to prevent corns
  • Place toe crests or hammertoe cushions under the toes for support
  • Apply moleskin or felt padding over corns before putting on shoes
  • Keep the skin moisturised to prevent cracking on pressure points

What to avoid

  • Do not wear tight, cramped shoes — they make the deformity worse
  • Never cut corns with sharp objects — risk of infection and injury
  • Avoid medicated corn removers on thin or fragile skin
  • Do not ignore a worsening deformity — early treatment gives more options

When to See a Specialist

Consider consulting an orthopaedic specialist if:

  • Your toes have become rigid and cannot be straightened
  • You have persistent pain that does not respond to padding and footwear changes
  • Corns are forming repeatedly despite regular professional removal
  • The deformity is worsening noticeably
  • You have difficulty finding any shoes that fit comfortably
  • You have diabetes and the deformed toes are causing skin breakdown
Flexible vs. rigid: If your hammer toes are still flexible (you can manually straighten them), exercises and proper footwear can make a real difference. Once they become rigid, conservative care focuses on managing corns and padding for comfort. We can assess the stage of your deformity and advise accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the toe is still flexible, exercises, proper footwear, and toe splints can help prevent worsening and improve alignment. Once the toe is rigid, only surgery can straighten it. However, regular foot care to manage corns and pain can keep you comfortable without surgery.

The raised joints of hammer toes rub against the shoe upper, creating pressure and friction that cause corns to develop. The tips of bent toes also press down against the shoe sole. As long as the deformity remains, corns will tend to recur. Regular professional removal combined with protective padding provides the best ongoing management.

For flexible hammer toes, splints and straighteners worn regularly can help maintain alignment and prevent worsening. For rigid deformities, they primarily provide comfort and reduce friction. They do not permanently correct a rigid deformity, but they can improve daily comfort significantly.

Yes, they often occur together. A bunion pushes the big toe sideways, which can crowd and push the second toe upward into a hammer toe position. The same factors that cause bunions — tight shoes, foot mechanics, genetics — also contribute to hammer toes.

Yes, if the toes are still flexible. Regular toe stretching, strengthening exercises, and wearing proper footwear can slow or prevent progression. Once the deformity becomes rigid, exercises cannot reverse it, but they can still help maintain overall foot flexibility and strength.
Related Foot Care Services
Pedicure

Complete professional foot care
Corns & Calluses

Professional corn and callus removal
Bunions

Assessment and foot care for bunions
Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenail treatment and correction
Thickened Toenails

Nail grinding and thinning treatment
Diabetic Pedicure

Specialised foot care for diabetes

Need help with hammer toes?

Book a foot care appointment for professional assessment, corn and callus treatment, and expert advice on keeping your toes comfortable.

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