Hammer toe is a deformity of the second, third, or fourth toe in which the toe is permanently bent at the middle joint. A common cause is poorly fitting footwear, but the condition can also result from injury, bunions, or rheumatoid arthritis.
A hammer toe often develops a painful corn or callus on the bent joint and can also cause stress on the ball of the foot, which may lead to metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot).
A protective pad over the bent joint can ease pressure on the toe and relieve pain. Surgery to straighten the toe may be recommended in severe cases

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