A hammertoe is a deformity that causes your toe to curl or bend downward at the middle joint. It most often affects the second or third toe. Generally, this condition is caused by arthritis, other foot conditions or poor-fitting shoes but it can also be present at birth. It's often a treatable condition when caught early on, but when left untreated it can become "fixed" and require surgery.

The hammertoe is a result of a muscle imbalance. The strain put on the muscle from any before mentioned conditions can tighten the muscle to the point where it can no longer straighten the toe.

Signs and Symptoms:
A hammertoe is painful, especially when the patient is moving it or wearing shoes. Other symptoms may include:

• Swelling or redness
• Inability to straighten the toe
• Difficulty walking
• A corn or callus on the top of the middle joint of the toe or on the tip of the toe

If these issues are affecting the ability to walk and go about a normal day, it might be time to contact a physician to discuss treatment options.