What are the symptoms of hammer toe?

The affected toe may look curled or raised compared with neighbouring toes. It can rub against the top or front of a shoe, causing tenderness, a corn, blister, or thickened skin. Pain may occur in the toe, at the ball of the foot, or when the toe is pushed down during walking. Flexible hammer toe may straighten gently, while a more fixed deformity may not. Several toes can be affected. A sudden painful, swollen, or bruised toe may instead reflect an injury, so the timing and appearance matter.

Wear shoes with a roomy toe box and avoid footwear that presses over the bent toe. Do not cut corns aggressively or use medicated pads on broken skin. A clinician can check whether the toe remains flexible, inspect pressure points, and assess circulation and sensation. [Custom Orthotics](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/custom-orthotics/) may reduce pressure for some people. If pain and shoe problems persist despite non-surgical measures, [Hammer Toe Surgery](/treatments/reconstructive-orthopedic-surgery/hammer-toe-surgery/) may be discussed.

Arrange an assessment when the toe repeatedly rubs, develops a sore, changes your walking, or prevents comfortable shoes. Seek prompt care for a new deformity after injury, inability to walk, severe swelling, or a wound that is not healing. Redness spreading from a break in the skin, drainage, fever, or new numbness needs urgent review.

Is my toe flexible or fixed? Which shoe changes or pressure-relieving options could help? How should I protect a corn or blister, and when would surgery be considered?