HAMMER TOE

Hammer toes often develop gradually as the foot loses its natural arch support and begins to lengthen from heel to toe. When the arch collapses, the forefoot is pushed forward, stretching the soft tissues and disturbing the delicate balance of muscles that control the toes. Over time, the muscles that bend the toes downward overpower the muscles that lift and straighten them. This imbalance causes the toes to “buckle up” whenever you stand or walk. If the deformity is painful, worsening, or interfering with daily activities, it’s important to consult a qualified healthcare professional for proper evaluation.

How Hammer Toes Develop

Toe alignment depends on a precise balance between the muscles that flex the toes and the muscles that extend them. When the arch drops:

• The foot becomes longer from back to front.

• The flexor muscles tighten and begin to dominate.

• The extensor muscles become less effective at lifting the toes.

• The toes bend at the joints and begin to curl upward or downward.

• Pressure points form on the tops or tips of the toes, often leading to irritation or corns.

This process usually happens slowly, step by step, as the foot functions in a flattened position over many years.

The Biomechanical Cause Behind Hammer Toes

Hammer toes are rarely an isolated problem. They are typically a symptom of a larger biomechanical issue—a collapsing arch that alters the length and posture of the entire foot.

When the arch flattens:

• The foot elongates, pulling the toes forward.

• The forefoot spreads, changing how the toes bear weight.

• Muscle imbalance increases, causing the toes to curl.

• Joint stress builds, making the deformity more rigid over time.

Because the root cause is biomechanical, long‑term improvement often requires restoring healthier foot posture—not just treating the toes themselves.

How MASS Posture Orthotics Help

MASS (Maximum Arch Supination Stabilization) posture orthotics are designed to restore the foot closer to its optimal functional position. Instead of supporting the arch in its collapsed state, they aim to re‑establish full arch function, which helps normalize the length and posture of the foot.

Key benefits include:

• Full‑contact arch support — preventing the foot from elongating and reducing the forward pull on the toes.

• Restored foot posture — helping rebalance the muscles that control toe position.

• Dynamic flexibility — allowing the orthotic to flex with the foot while still guiding it toward healthier biomechanics.

• Reduced deforming forces — lowering the stress that causes the toes to buckle.

By improving the way the foot loads and moves, MASS posture orthotics help address the biomechanical factors that contribute to hammer toe formation.

The Importance of Custom Calibration

Every foot has a unique combination of arch height, flexibility, and forefoot mobility. That’s why calibration is essential.

At East Valley Orthotics, each MASS posture orthotic is calibrated using the Gibb test, which evaluates forefoot flexibility. This ensures the orthotic flexes appropriately for the individual’s structure:

• Flexible forefoot — requires a different stiffness profile to prevent over‑elongation of the foot.

• Rigid forefoot — needs a different calibration to avoid excessive pressure transfer.

• Variable arch biomechanics — influence how much support and correction the orthotic should provide.

This personalized calibration allows the orthotic to work with the foot’s natural motion while still guiding it toward healthier alignment.

What Patients Often Notice

While each person’s experience is unique, many people report:

• Reduced toe buckling during walking

• Less pressure on the tops or tips of the toes

• Improved comfort in footwear

• Better overall foot stability

• A gradual softening or straightening of flexible toe deformities

These improvements come from addressing the underlying biomechanics—not just the symptoms.

Supporting Long‑Term Foot Health

Hammer toes tend to progress over time, especially when the arch continues to collapse. Early intervention is important to help slow or reverse the deformity while the joints are still flexible. MASS posture orthotics can also play a supportive role after surgical correction by helping maintain proper foot posture and reducing the risk of deformities developing in other toes.