Hammertoe and mallet toe have a bend that is not usual in the joints of one or more of the toes. Other symptoms include:

• Pain from wearing shoes.
• Trouble moving the affected toe.
• Toe stiffness.
• A change in skin color and swelling.
• Growth of corns and calluses from the affected toe rubbing against shoes or against the ground.

When to see a doctor

See a healthcare professional if you have lasting foot pain that affects your ability to walk.

Hammertoe and mallet toe have been linked to:

• Certain shoes. High-heeled shoes or footwear that's too tight in the toe can crowd toes so they can't lie flat. In time, the toe might remain curled even when not in shoes.
• Injury. A toe that has been stubbed, jammed or broken might be more likely to develop hammertoe or mallet toe.
• Toe muscles that are out of balance. If the muscles aren't balanced, they can put pressure on the tendons and joints. This change in balance can lead to hammertoe and mallet toe over time.

Factors that can increase the risk of hammertoe and mallet toe include:

• Sex assigned a birth. Women are more likely to develop hammertoe or mallet toe than are men.
• Certain diseases. Arthritis and diabetes can increase the risk of having foot problems. Genes also might play a role.

For a while, you still might be able to straighten the toe. But over time, the tendons and joints of a hammertoe or mallet toe might tighten. This can cause the toe to stay bent.

Shoes can rub against the higher part of the bent toe. The bent position also may lead to excess pressure on the toe bones. This can cause painful corns or calluses.

Shoes that fit well can prevent many foot, heel and ankle problems. Here's what to look for when buying shoes:

• Enough toe room. Avoid shoes with pointed toes.
• Low heels. Not wearing high heels can help prevent toe and back problems.
• Shoes that adjust. Shoes with laces or straps are roomier and easier to make comfortable feeling.

These added tips can help you buy the right shoes:

• Shop at the end of the day. Feet swell as the day goes on.
• Check size. Shoe size — especially the width — can change with age. Measure both feet and buy for the larger foot.
• Buy shoes that fit right away. Be sure shoes are comfortable before you buy them. A shoe repair store might be able to stretch shoes in tight spots, but it's better to buy them to fit.

To diagnose hammertoe or mallet toe, a healthcare professional inspects the foot. X-rays can help show the bones and joints of the feet and toes. But they're not always needed.

For toes that can still be straightened, roomier footwear and shoe inserts, called orthotics, or shoe pads might give relief. Inserts, pads or taping can move the toe and ease pressure and pain.

Also, your healthcare professional might suggest exercises to stretch and strengthen toe muscles. These might include using toes to pick up marbles or scrunch a towel.

If these treatments don't help, your healthcare professional might suggest surgery. The surgery can release the tendon that's keeping the toe curled up. Sometimes, the surgeon also removes a piece of bone to straighten the toe.

Good footwear can ease foot pain. Wear low-heeled shoes with a big toe box made of material that has some give to it. Make sure there's a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) of space between your longest toe and the inside tip of the shoe. Having enough space for your toes can help relieve pressure and pain.

If you're having a problem with your feet, you'll likely start by seeing your primary health professional. Or you may be referred to a foot specialist, either a podiatrist or an orthopedist.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including any that seem not related to your foot condition, and when they began.
• Key personal information, including injuries to your toes.
• All medicines, vitamins or other supplements you take, including doses.
• Questions to ask your healthcare team.

For hammertoe or mallet toe, some basic questions to ask your care team include:

• What's likely causing my foot condition?
• What are other possible causes?
• What tests do I need?
• Am I likely to have this condition over time?
• What's the best course of action?
• Am I a candidate for surgery? Why?
• Are there restrictions I need to follow?
• Should I see a specialist?
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare professional is likely to ask you questions, such as:

• How much pain are your feet or toes causing you?
• Where is the pain exactly?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
• What type of shoes do you usually wear?