Hammer toes

锤脚趾(也称为爪脚趾,槌状脚趾or retracted toes) are toes that are permanently bent. Hammer toes are caused by hallux valgus or because your toes are squashed by poorly fitting shoes and/or socks. Hammer toes are most common in people who have bunions or high-arched feet.

Discomfort from hammer toes is usually due to a build-up of hard skin over the raised joints, which causes corns and calluses. There’s also a risk of ulceration, but this isn’t common.

Mild cases may be helped by rubber, leather or silicone splints. You can ease pain from corns and calluses by choosing shoes with a more generous fit or softer uppers, or by using a protective pad over the painful area. The only way to correct hammer toes is with surgery.

Read more about hammer toes in ourfoot painsection.