Condition Library
Forefoot
Hammertoes
A bend in the middle joint of a smaller toe that can rub in shoes.
Symptoms
- Bent toe
- Corns on top of the toe
- Pain at the ball of the foot
Risk factors
- Bunions
- Tight footwear
- Neuromuscular imbalance
- Diabetes
What usually helps
- Deep toe-box shoes
- Crest pads and sleeves
- Taping
When to see a podiatrist
When corns or pain persist despite footwear changes, or with any skin breakdown if you have diabetes.
Warning signs
- • Ulcer on the toe in a person with diabetes
Podiatrify provides educational information and risk guidance and does not provide a medical diagnosis. Symptoms involving severe pain, rapidly spreading infection, black or blue tissue, major trauma, loss of circulation, or systemic illness may require urgent medical evaluation.