A toe that is in a fixed (rigid) contracted position.

What Is Hammer Toe? In hammer toe, the second, third, or fourth toe becomes bent and cannot be straightened.

The most usual cause of a hammer toe is years of wearing ill-fitting shoes. Because part of the toe is higher than normal, excessive friction may result, sometimes leading to ulcers on the top of the toe. Treatment is first attempted by ensuring that shoes are comfortable and do not further irritate the toe. Any ulcer or other skin irritation is treated. Surgery to straighten the hammer toe may be needed when the toe has become fixed. Rarely, surgery is necessary to straighten the toe.

Last full review/revision February 2003