How To Spot Hammertoe

Toes With A Claw-Like Appearance

The bend in the toe that occurs with hammertoe typically looks like an upside-down V, and this ailment often results in toes with a claw-like appearance. In addition to the abnormal bend, the appearance of the toes may be complicated by the formation of bunions (bumps on the sides of the feet), and patients might develop knuckle pads (areas of thickened skin over the toe joints caused by rubbing from footwear). Arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, flat feet, and pain in the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia) could increase the claw-like appearance of the toes. X-rays or other imaging studies can reveal the severity and potential underlying causes of any clawing. Some hammertoe patients with this symptom may need to have surgery. The most common type of surgical procedure for the correction of hammertoe involves releasing the affected tendon so the toe can straighten. Sometimes, surgeons might remove a small piece of bone to allow the toe to be as straight as possible. If the patient has multiple toe deformities contributing to hammertoe, the surgeon may be able to treat some of these during the same operation.