Health Library

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

slide 1 of 3
    
slide 1 of 3, 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

slide 2 of 3
    
slide 2 of 3, 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

slide 3 of 3
    
slide 3 of 3, 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: May 1, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff
Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: May 1, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff

Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.