What are hammertoes?

A hammertoe is a toe that develops into a painful lump, making it difficult to walk. They usually occur on the smaller toes and typically swell, get red and might even cause a burning sensation. Hammertoes can also develop corns, which are hard calluses on your skin. Over time, the tendons around the flexible hammertoe get stiffer and eventually seize up, which results in rigid hammertoe. Hammertoes are caused by issues with the ligaments and muscles around the joint in the middle of your toe. The soft tissue imbalances and the joint gets stuck in a bent-over position which creates an uncomfortable lump. People with high arches or flat feed are typically more prone to develop a hammertoe.