Hammertoe and mallet toe are foot deformities that affect the toes. They are caused by an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that control the movement of the toes, which can cause the toe to bend abnormally.

Hammertoe is a condition in which the middle joint of a toe is permanently bent downward, creating a hammer-like appearance. It typically affects the second, third, or fourth toe, and can be caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, toe injuries, or certain medical conditions.

Mallet toe is a similar condition, but affects the joint at the end of the toe, causing it to bend downward. This creates a deformity that looks like a mallet. Mallet's toe is often caused by a toe injury or wearing shoes that are too tight or having high heels.

Both hammertoe and mallet toe can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty wearing shoes. In some cases, they may lead to calluses or corns on the affected toe or toes. Treatment for these conditions may include wearing shoes with a roomy toe box and low heels, using orthotic devices to support the foot and toes, and doing exercises to strengthen the affected muscles and improve flexibility. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity and alleviate symptoms.

It's important to seek medical attention if you experience persistent pain or discomfort in your toes or notice any changes in their appearance. A healthcare provider or a podiatrist can help determine the underlying cause of the deformity and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Hammertoe and mallet toe have been linked to:

• Certain shoes. High-heeled shoes or footwear that's too tight in the toe box can crowd your toes into a space in which they can't lie flat. This curled toe position might eventually persist even when you're barefoot.
• Trauma. An injury in which you stub, jam or break a toe can make it more likely for that digit to develop hammertoe or mallet toe.
• Abnormal balance of the toe muscles. The imbalance leads to instability, which can cause the toe to contract.

You can avoid many foot, heel and ankle problems with shoes that fit properly. Here's what to look for when buying shoes:

• Adequate toe room. Avoid shoes with pointed toes.
• Low heels. Avoiding high heels will help you avoid back problems.
• Adjustability. Laced or strapped shoes are roomier and adjustable.

These additional tips can help you buy the right shoes:

• Buy shoes at the end of the day. Your feet swell throughout the day.
• Check your size. As you age, your shoe size might change — especially the width. Measure both feet and buy for the larger foot.
• Buy shoes that fit. Be sure shoes are comfortable before you buy them. If necessary, a shoe repair store might be able to stretch shoes in tight spots, but it's better to buy them to fit.
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If your toe is still flexible, your doctor might recommend that you change to roomier, more comfortable footwear and that you wear shoe inserts (orthotics) or pads. Inserts or pads can reposition your toe and relieve pressure and pain.

In addition, your doctor might suggest exercises — such as picking up marbles or crumpling a towel with your toes — to stretch and strengthen your toe muscles.

If conservative treatments don't help, your doctor might recommend surgery to release the tendon that's preventing your toe from lying flat. In some cases, the surgeon also might remove a piece of bone to straighten your toe.