Toe joint deformities

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Toe joint deformities

Hammer toe

Illustration of toe joint deformities: Hammer toe

A hammer toe occurs when a toe (usually the second toe) bends down at the middle toe joint (proximal interphalangeal joint, or PIP joint). The toe may bend up at the joint where the toe and foot meet (metatarsophalangeal joint, or MTP joint), causing the middle toe joint to be raised slightly. There may also be a deformity at the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP joint).

Claw toe

Illustration of toe joint deformities: Claw toe

Claw toe often affects all toes at the same time (except the big toe), causing them to bend downward at both the middle joints (PIP joints) and the joints nearest the tip (distal interphalangeal joint, or DIP joint), so that the toes curl down. The toes bend up at the joints where the toes and the foot meet (MTP joint).

Mallet toe

Illustration of toe joint deformities: Mallet toe

A mallet toe often affects the longest toe (generally the second toe), but it may affect the other toes as well. The toe bends down at the joint closest to the tip (DIP joint).

Credits

Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Gavin W.G. Chalmers, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery
Last Updated	July 11, 2007

Last updated:	July 11, 2007
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Gavin W.G. Chalmers, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery

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