What are hammertoes and what causes them?

Hammer toe is best described as a the buckling or curling under of any of the toe joint.

A hammer toe may be flexible or rigid, and may occur on any of the lesser toes. Shoes then rub on the prominent portion of the feet, leading to inflammation or bursitis.

Corns and calluses soon form. Over time, these toes become increasingly painful, making movement more difficult. Toes usual curl or buckle because of a muscle imbalance or tight tendons.

Joints at the end or the middle of the toe, as well as the joint near the ball of the foot can be affected.

How do you treat hammertoes?