Hammer toes

A hammer toe is a toe that bends abnormally at the middle joint, causing it to sit in a bent, claw-like or hammer-shaped position rather than lying flat. It most commonly affects the second, third or fourth toes and can develop gradually over time.

If you've noticed one of your toes curling, rubbing inside your shoes, or developing corns and calluses, you're not alone — and there's plenty that can be done to help manage it.

What causes hammer toes?

Hammer toes usually develop from an imbalance in the muscles, tendons and ligaments that control the toe's movement. When this balance is disrupted, the toe is pulled into an abnormal bent position. Contributing factors may include:

• Foot structure and genetics — some people are simply more prone to it due to inherited foot mechanics.
• Footwear — tight, narrow or high-heeled shoes that crowd the toes over long periods.
• Foot trauma — a previous injury to the toe.
• Medical conditions — such as arthritis, which can affect the joints.

Over time, a flexible hammer toe (one you can still straighten manually) can become more rigid and fixed, which is why early assessment matters.

What are the symptoms?

Hammer toes can cause discomfort and pain, particularly when pressure is applied while walking or wearing shoes. Common signs include:

• A toe that bends downward at the middle joint
• Corns or calluses on the top or tip of the toe
• Pain, redness or irritation where the toe rubs
• Difficulty finding comfortable footwear
• Reduced flexibility in the affected toe over time

Can hammer toes be treated without surgery?

In many cases, conservative (non-surgical) care can help manage hammer toes effectively — especially when the toe is still flexible. Treatment may include roomier, supportive footwear, toe devices or padding to reduce pressure and friction, custom orthotic devices, and exercises and stretches to support muscle balance and flexibility.

How Blueprint Podiatry assesses and helps manage hammer toes

At our Tuggerah clinic, our podiatry team takes the time to understand both the appearance of your hammer toe and what's driving it. Every one of our podiatrists holds a Bachelor of Podiatry and is trained in Foot Mobilisation Therapy, with a genuine focus on how your feet move.

A typical assessment may include:

• A thorough history and examination to check whether the toe is flexible or rigid
• A gait and biomechanical assessment to understand the forces affecting your toes
• Reviewing your footwear and pressure points

From there, we build a personalised plan. This may involve footwear guidance, padding and toe devices, mobilisation and exercises, and custom orthotics — which we 3D scan and 3D print in-house, with patient-matched left and right devices. Other modalities such as shockwave therapy and dry needling are also available at the clinic where clinically appropriate. If conservative care isn't enough, we can discuss surgical options and provide an onward referral.

When should you see a podiatrist?

It's worth booking in if your toe is becoming stiffer, you're developing recurring corns or calluses, or pain is affecting your walking or footwear choices. Earlier care often means more flexible, less invasive options.

Related services

• Customised Orthotics
• Biomechanical Assessment