Picture of Hammertoes

Hammertoes are toes that are bent due to weak muscles in the feet. The tendons in the toes shorten and force the toes to curl under. Hammertoes may be genetic or due to wearing shoes that are too short. Hammertoes may lead to difficulty walking and additional foot problems including calluses, sores, and blisters. Corrective footwear and splinting may help treat hammertoes. Severe cases of the foot problem may be treated surgically to straighten the toes.