Hammer Toes

In general, the term "hammer toe" describes a buckling of any of the toe joints. Joints at the end or middle toe, as well as the joint near the ball of the foot, may be affected. Toe joints usually curl because of a muscle imbalance or tight tendons. Hammer toes vary in severity and in the number of joints and toes involved.

Flexible joint

You can straighten a flexible hammer toe with your fingers. Although they look painful, flexible hammer toes may not hurt. A flexible joint may become more rigid as you age.

Rigid Joint

A rigid hammer toe cannot be moved, even with the fingers. Rigid joints may cause pain and distort foot movement. This may put extra stress on the ball of the foot, causing a callus (a corn at the bottom of the foot).