Hammer Toes: What You Need to Know
Hammer toes are a common foot condition where one or more toes become bent at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like appearance. Over time, this abnormal position can become fixed, making the toe stiff, painful, and difficult to straighten.
While hammer toes may start as a mild cosmetic concern, they often progress into a functional issue that affects balance, walking, and overall foot health.
What Causes Hammer Toes?
Hammer toes don’t happen overnight. They usually develop due to imbalances in the muscles, tendons, and joints of the foot. Common contributing factors include:
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Foot mechanics and instability – especially excessive pronation or poor arch support
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Improper footwear – shoes that are too tight, narrow, or have elevated heels
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Past injuries – trauma to the toes or forefoot
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Structural foot differences – long toes, flat feet, or high arches
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Neurological influences – altered nerve signaling affecting muscle control
When the muscles that normally keep the toe straight stop working in balance, the toe begins to curl and eventually adapts to that position.
Common Symptoms
Hammer toes may present with:
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A visibly bent or curled toe
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Pain or pressure in the toe or ball of the foot
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Corns or calluses on the top of the toe or between toes
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Difficulty wearing shoes comfortably
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Burning or aching pain during walking or standing
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Reduced toe flexibility or stiffness
As the condition progresses, symptoms often increase due to joint irritation and altered gait mechanics.
Why Hammer Toes Matter
Your toes play a critical role in balance, propulsion, and shock absorption. When a toe is locked into an abnormal position, it changes how weight moves through your foot. This can contribute to:
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Forefoot overload
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Metatarsalgia (ball-of-foot pain)
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Plantar fasciitis
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Ankle, knee, hip, or low-back stress
In other words, hammer toes are not just a toe problem—they’re a biomechanical problem.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
At Vertical Chiropractic®, hammer toes are approached from a whole-foot and whole-body perspective.
Care may include:
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Evaluating foot, ankle, and lower-extremity joint motion
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Addressing joint fixations that alter toe mechanics
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Improving nerve-muscle coordination to the foot
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Reducing abnormal pressure patterns during walking
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Supporting better alignment and function of the entire kinetic chain
Early care is especially important. Flexible hammer toes often respond much better than rigid, long-standing deformities.
What You Can Do at Home
In addition to professional care, patients are often encouraged to:
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Wear shoes with a wide toe box and proper support
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Avoid prolonged use of high heels or narrow shoes
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Perform toe mobility and strengthening exercises
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Use footwear or orthotic support when recommended
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Address symptoms early instead of waiting for progression
The Takeaway
Hammer toes are a sign that the foot is no longer functioning optimally. While they may begin subtly, they often worsen without proper attention. Addressing the underlying mechanics, joint motion, and muscle balance can help reduce discomfort, slow progression, and improve overall foot health.
If you’re experiencing toe pain, stiffness, or changes in foot shape, early evaluation and care can make a meaningful difference in long-term comfort and performance.