Hammertoe: A hammertoe is a contracted toe at the joint that takes on a "claw-like" appearance. Heredity and ill-fitting shoe gear are two of the most common causes of hammertoes. Once the toe becomes bent like a "hammer" the chance of local irritation increases and finding comfortable shoes becomes more difficult. If the toe is subjected to repeated shoe gear irritation a painful corn may develop. A variety of treatment options are available for this common problem including padding and splinting the hammertoe, trimming the corn, and surgery.