Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.
Toe joint deformities
Hammer toe
A hammer toe bends down at the middle toe joint (proximal interphalangeal joint, or PIP joint). The toe may bend up at the joint where the foot and toe meet (metatarsophalangeal joint, or MTP joint) causing the middle toe joint to be raised slightly.
There may also be a deformity at the joint near the tip of the toe (distal interphalangeal joint, or DIP joint).
Claw toe
A claw toe bends up at the joint where the foot and the toe meet (metatarsophalangeal joint, or MTP joint). The toe bends down at the middle joint (proximal interphalangeal, or PIP joint) and at the joint near the tip of the toe (distal interphalangeal joint, or DIP joint) causing the toe to curl down.
Mallet toe
A mallet toe bends down at the joint near the tip of the toe, called the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint.
Current as of: July 17, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.
© 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.