Symptoms and causes



When to see a doctor



Hammertoe and mallet toe have been linked to:

  • Certain shoes. High-heeled shoes or footwear that's too tight in the toe box can crowd your toes into a space in which they can't lie flat. This curled toe position might eventually persist even when you're barefoot.
  • Trauma. An injury in which you stub, jam or break a toe can make it more likely for that digit to develop hammertoe or mallet toe.
  • Abnormal balance of the toe muscles. The imbalance leads to instability, which can cause the toe to contract.

Risk factors

Factors that can increase you risk of hammertoe and mallet toe include:

  • Sex. Women are much more likely to develop hammertoe or mallet toe than are men.
  • Certain diseases. Arthritis and diabetes might make you more prone to developing foot deformities. Heredity might also play a role.


At first, a hammertoe or mallet toe might maintain its flexibility. But eventually, the tendons of the toe can contract and tighten, causing your toe to become permanently bent. Your shoes can rub against the raised portion of the toe or toes, causing painful corns or calluses.