What is a hammer toe or claw toe? [Types of crooked toes?]

Quick answer: What Is A Hammer Toe Or Claw Toe Types Of Crooked Toes comes up often in our clinics. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.

✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

What is a hammer toe or claw toe? [Types of crooked toes?]

What is a hammer toe or claw toe? [Types of crooked toes?]

🦶We review: what is a hammer toe, claw oe deformity, hammertoe vs claw toe, mallet toe hammer toe, types of crooked toes, how to fix crooked toes. Full video: https://youtu.be/pA4dicQIzLY 🦶

Ball of the foot (metatarsalgia):
Hammer Toes Treatment: https://youtu.be/pA4dicQIzLY
2nd Toe Capsulitis, Claw Toe & Hammer Toe: https://youtu.be/E2Pr3vocIB8
Ball of the Foot Pain (Metatarsalgia): https://youtu.be/tqOzHZ8rUqs
Fat Pad ball of the foot: https://youtu.be/UsM6qhHBlKg
2nd metatarsal head pain: https://youtu.be/D284KRgp1r0
Are orthotics worth it? https://youtu.be/9eY6kbccslQ

Big Toe Joint Pain Causes & Treatment:
Gout: https://youtu.be/APtHQYtditY
Hallux Rigidus (OsteoArthritis) https://youtu.be/x6rtE5wfhf0
Bunion Pain: https://youtu.be/Nfif1nEiNJk
Bunion Splints: https://youtu.be/mVNluTffe2c
Sesamoiditis: https://youtu.be/ItwfjjX2_Uc

More Bunion Videos:
How To Get Rid of Bunions No Surgery: https://youtu.be/Nfif1nEiNJk
Bunion corrector treatment: https://youtu.be/8yKY4Rf-OGk
Top 13 Ways to Shrink Bunions Naturally: https://youtu.be/8yKY4Rf-OGk
Bunion Surgery Pros & Cons: https://youtu.be/xanqYxYnWJE
Tailor’s Bunion Treatment: https://youtu.be/YDCAFnM8SIw

Related Videos:
Numbness, Burning, or Tingling Foot Pain: https://youtu.be/Pdp9HLH9Gsg
Fat Pad Loss: https://youtu.be/54O-B2XqJaY
Foot Exercises & Strengthening Guide: https://youtu.be/ZI0sANYDF6M
Best Arthritis Treatments: https://youtu.be/5M7ngir46yQ
Best anti inflammatory diet for arthritis and joint pain: https://youtu.be/gCjN1Rya6es
9 Best Joint Pain Supplements: https://youtu.be/8CVHgrf-FLQ
Plantar fasciitis treatment: https://youtu.be/2aXlnFVmIY8

👉 Shoes 👈
Best Shoes:

Podiatrist Recommended Shoes 2026: The Complete Clinical Guide

Best Orthotics:

Podiatrist Recommended Orthotics

Best Products: https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/recommended-foot-doctor-products///

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If you are in Michigan, consider seeing us at our clinic: https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/.
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Orthotics:
Best Overall Orthotic: https://geni.us/PowerStepOrthotics (Amazon)
Best Heavy Duty Orthotic: https://geni.us/HeavyDutyOrthotics (Amazon)
Best Women’s Orthotic: https://geni.us/BestWomensOrthotic (Amazon)
Best sub $25 Soft Orthotic: https://geni.us/BudgetSoftOrthotic (Amazon)
Best sub $25 Budget Orthotic: https://geni.us/BudgetOrthotic (Amazon)

Pain Relief:
Best Compression Sleeves: https://geni.us/PlantarFasciitisSock (Amazon)
Best Budget Compression Ankle Brace: https://geni.us/AnkleCompression (Amazon)
Best Muscle Massage Stick: https://geni.us/MuscleStick (Amazon)

Exercises & Stretches:
Best Ankle Stretch Incline Board: https://geni.us/z7bq (Amazon)
Best Budget Stretching Device: https://geni.us/BudgetFasciitisStretch (Amazon)

Compression socks & Compression stockings:
Note: Start Light & always check with your podiatrist if you have a medical condition.
Best 8-15 mmHg budget compression stockings: https://geni.us/NmvRw
Best 20-30 mmHg compression stocking: https://geni.us/bqasGh (Amazon)

Massage Device:
Our Favorite Calf Compression Device https://geni.us/sLJDN
Our Favorite Full Leg Compression Device https://geni.us/htyFl
Our Favorite Air Compression Leg Massager https://geni.us/LegMassagerBoots

Massage Gun:
Note: This is for sore, tight muscles, not to dissolve spurs.
Bob and Brad D6 Pro Massage Gun (My #:1 Choice) https://geni.us/ouFhWtI (10% OFF Code: BOBANDBRADD6)
Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun (Great Travel): https://geni.us/BFKF (10% OFF Code: BOBBRADG10 or TIMPT104 or bobbradfall)
Bob and Brad 721 Foot Massager: https://geni.us/2RKyA7 (10% OFF Code: BobBrad2022)

Best Ankle Pain Braces:
Best Overall Ankle Stability Brace: https://geni.us/GreatBrace (Amazon)
Best Overall Compression Ankle Brace: https://geni.us/GreatCompressionBrace (Amazon)
Best Budget Ankle Stability Brace: https://geni.us/AnkleStability (Amazon)
Best Budget Compression Ankle Brace: https://geni.us/AnkleCompression (Amazon)

DISCLAIMER:
Dr. Tomasz Biernacki received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine in 2013; he completed his Surgical Reconstructive Foot Surgery & Podiatric Medicine Residency in 2017; he completed 2x traveling Fellowships in Diabetic Surgery, Skin Grafting & Nerve Surgery. He is double board certified in Podiatric Medicine and Foot & Ankle Surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a licensed podiatrist & surgeon in Michigan. This video should not be used to self-diagnose and is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Biernacki and you. It would be best to not change your health regimen or diet before consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam & diagnosis. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

At Balance Foot & Ankle, every Michigan patient receives expert podiatric care delivered with genuine attention to their individual needs and goals. Our podiatrists take time to explain diagnoses clearly, discuss all treatment options honestly, and follow up to ensure treatments are working effectively. We serve patients from Livingston and Oakland counties and the broader Southeast Michigan region from our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River and our Bloomfield Township office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208. New patients are always welcome — call (810) 206-1402 to schedule today.

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Related Treatment Guides

• Custom 3D Orthotics
• Toe Deformity Treatment
• Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
• Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment

Michigan patients can count on Balance Foot & Ankle for the full range of podiatric services delivered with clinical excellence and genuine patient care. Whether your concern is a common foot condition that has been bothering you for years or an acute injury that needs prompt attention, our team in Howell and Bloomfield Township is ready to help. We offer in-office diagnostics, evidence-based conservative treatment, and surgical correction when needed — all within a practice that values your time, respects your preferences, and communicates clearly throughout the care process. Call us at (810) 206-1402 to take the first step toward better foot health.

More questions patients ask

What are the different types of crooked toe deformities?

The main types are hammer toe (PIP joint flexion), mallet toe (DIP joint flexion), claw toe (PIP and DIP flexion with MTP hyperextension), and overlapping toe (one toe crosses over another). Each involves different joints and requires tailored treatment. Balance Foot & Ankle diagnoses and classifies all toe deformities accurately. Call (810) 206-1402.

What causes the different types of crooked toe deformities?

Crooked toes develop from muscle-tendon imbalance caused by: ill-fitting footwear, neuromuscular conditions (like CMT or diabetes), flat feet or high arches, inflammatory arthritis, and genetic predisposition. Identifying the root cause guides the most effective treatment. Balance Foot & Ankle at 4330 E Grand River, Howell and 43494 Woodward Ave #208, Bloomfield Township performs comprehensive toe deformity evaluations.

Are crooked toe deformities only a cosmetic issue?

No — crooked toes cause real functional problems including pain, corns, calluses, difficulty with footwear, altered gait, and in severe cases, open wounds from pressure. They should be evaluated and treated by a podiatrist. Balance Foot & Ankle provides treatment that reduces pain and prevents complications, not just improves appearance.

Can children get hammer toes or claw toes?

Yes — crooked toe deformities can develop in children, sometimes related to genetic foot structure, neurological conditions like CMT, or fitting shoes too small. Early intervention in children, when toes are still flexible, is most effective. Balance Foot & Ankle evaluates pediatric toe deformities and initiates appropriate conservative care early.

Do crooked toes run in families?

Yes — foot structure, arch height, and toe length ratios that predispose to toe deformities are largely inherited. If parents or grandparents had hammer or claw toes, you may be at higher risk. Balance Foot & Ankle recommends proactive footwear and orthotic use for high-risk individuals. Contact us at (810) 206-1402 for an evaluation.

What is a hammertoe?

A deformity where the toe bends abnormally at the middle joint. Results from muscle imbalance, tight shoes, genetics, or arthritis. Dr. Biernacki offers conservative and surgical options.

Can hammertoes be fixed without surgery?

Flexible hammertoes respond to splints, padding, shoe modifications, custom orthotics, and stretching. Rigid hammertoes may need surgery. Early intervention gives best non-surgical outcomes.

What does hammertoe surgery involve?

Minimally invasive tendon release and bone segment removal through a tiny incision. Surgical shoe for 3-4 weeks, regular shoes within 6 weeks. Success rates exceed 90%.

Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.