ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Hammer Toe or Mallet Toe

What is hammer toe or mallet toe?

23 January 2026

This is an orthopedic condition that consists of deformities of the toes as a result of abnormalities in the muscles, ligaments, or tendons, the type of footwear, the shape of the foot, injuries, or the presence of an underlying condition that influences the emergence of this disorder.

In a Hammer Toe, an abnormal curvature occurs at the middle joint of the toe, while in a Mallet Toe, the joint closest to the toenail is damaged.

The toes most often affected by these conditions are the second, third, and fourth toes.

Hammer toe and mallet toe usually begin with a mild deformity that tends to progress gradually. In early stages, the hammer and mallet toe is flexible, but if not treated in time, it becomes rigid and the pain is intense.

The cause of hammer toe and mallet toe is mainly attributed to wearing high heels or short, narrow footwear, which squeeze the toes, preventing them from resting in a horizontal position. It can also be due to trauma, problems with the nerves or spinal cord, or congenital issues.

Some potential risks for developing this condition have been identified, including:

  • Being female.
  • Having the second toe longer than the big toe.
  • Hereditary factors.
  • Age; the risk increases over the years.
  • Arthritis.
  • Diabetes.

Signs and symptoms Hammer Toe or Mallet Toe

  • Bent joint in the middle of the toe (hammer toe).
  • The final part of the toe shaped like a claw.
  • Contraction of the big toe.
  • Difficulty moving and straightening the toe.
  • Pain or irritation when walking or wearing shoes.
  • Formation of blisters or calluses on the top of the toe and the sole of the foot.
  • Permanent contraction and tension of the toes.
  • Presence of sores or ulcers that become inflamed and red between the toes.

Diagnosis and treatment Hammer Toe or Mallet Toe

The orthopedist will analyze your symptoms and clinical history, perform a physical examination, and request X-rays to evaluate the joints of the feet and toes.

The treatment to follow will depend on the severity of your symptoms, but it generally includes:

  • Changes in footwear.
  • Corticosteroid injections to relieve pain and inflammation.
  • Oral anti-inflammatory medications.
  • Gentle stretching exercises aimed at strengthening the toe muscles.
  • Use of orthopedic insoles or pads.

In severe cases where positive results are not obtained with conservative treatment, surgery may be required to help alleviate the pain by cutting, releasing, or correcting ligaments, tendons, or bones.

At the Center for Orthopedics and Traumatology, we seek to improve the lives of patients restricted or immobilized by musculoskeletal disorders or injuries. We specialize in the care of the locomotor system by integrating the latest medical, biological, and technological advances, in strict adherence to the highest international standards of patient care.

Related centers and departments Hammer Toe or Mallet Toe

Orthopedics and Traumatology Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Sources:

  • bmc.org.
  • wnyurology.com
  • topdoctors.es
  • tmcaz.com
  • middlesexhealth.org
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • González-Rincón JA, Valle-de Lascurain G, Oribio-Gallegos JA. Diafisectomía de la falange proximal en el quinto dedo supraducto y dedo en martillo en niños. Acta Ortop Mex. 2013 Mar-Abr;27(2):103-108.
  • Estévez PA, García GY, Licea PME, et al. Identificación de las deformidades podálicas en personas con diabetes mellitus, una estrategia para prevenir amputaciones. Rev Cuba Endoc. 2013;24(3):297-313.

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