What is a hammer toe?

A hammer toe is a toe other than the big toe that unnaturally bends or curls downward. The bend in the toe looks like the head of a hammer, which is where it gets its name.

There are two kinds of hammer toes, flexible and rigid. Flexible toe joints can usually be moved back and forth. Rigid toe joints cannot be straightened and may be painful. When hammer toes interfere with walking and cause pain, it's time to see Dr. K for a diagnosis and treatment plan.