Is surgery always necessary for hammer toes?
No. Conservative treatment (shoes, orthoses, exercises) often helps. Surgery only in cases of severe deformity or if other treatments are not effective.
Hammertoes: Painful but Treatable
Hammertoes: causes, symptoms and treatment. Shoes, toe protectors, insoles and when surgery is necessary.
Hammertoes – painful but treatable
Hammertoes (claw toes) are a condition where one or more toes are in a bent position. The toe joints bend unnaturally downwards. Here you can read about causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
What are hammertoes?
Usually the second, third, fourth, or fifth toe. Causes: shoes that are too tight, high heels, muscle imbalances, heredity, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis. Also, flat feet or a high arch can play a role.
Symptoms and treatment
Pain on the top of the toe, calluses, and corns due to friction. Treatment: shoes with a wide toe box, toe protectors, insoles, foot exercises. In case of severe deformity: surgery.
Preventing hammertoes
Shoes with enough toe space and low heels. Avoid narrow shoes or high heels. Regular exercises to strengthen foot muscles.
```In short
What are hammer toes?
Hammer toes are a curvature of one or more toes (usually the 2nd–5th toe). Often due to shoes that are too tight, high heels, or muscle imbalances. Can cause calluses and corns.
Can I treat hammer toes myself?
Mild symptoms: comfortable shoes, toe protectors, foot exercises. For diagnosis and treatment advice: consult a chiropodist, podiatrist, or doctor.
.svg)
Monique van Heusden
★
★
★
★
★
30 Apr. 2026
"Fast delivery and a top product that makes sweat odour disappear from your feet and shoes (trainers)..."
Rowan Van Der Laan
★
★
★
★
★
29 Apr. 2026
"Works well! Top stuff"
Michel Faber
★
★
★
★
★
24 Apr. 2026
"I am very satisfied with pedifris.
Have always used the powder variant before and it works like a ch..."
Christian Herold
★
★
★
★
★
22 Apr. 2026
"Everything top, 1A"
Jeanette Dhillon
★
★
★
★
★
21 Apr. 2026
"Schnelle Lieferung und es hilft"
Robin
★
★
★
★
★
21 Apr. 2026
"I was suffering incredibly from sweaty feet which annoyed me super bad. Tried Pedifris and it helps..."
jisse de ruiter
★
★
★
★
★
19 Apr. 2026
"Works like a charm. But it's still a reasonably expensive hobby considering how much you have to use..."
Niels Gijsbers
★
★
★
★
★
06 Apr. 2026
"Prima"
Linda Boertje
★
★
★
★
★
03 Apr. 2026
"Always fast delivery, neatly packaged"
Hans Van De Weijdeven
★
★
★
★
★
02 Apr. 2026
"Just right
"
Frequently Asked Questions About Hammer Toes
Answers about hammer toes, treatment, and prevention.
|
|
The texts on this page have been carefully compiled. Sources used include: Thuisarts – hammer toes and Footcare – hammer toes. |
