Hammertoes - Podiatrist in Kansas City, MO and Overland Park, KS - Thomas Bembynista, DPM br Dr. Thomas Bembynista of KC Foot Care discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Hammertoes. br br Hammertoes br Overview br Toe deformities are commonly caused by bunion's, flatfeet or heredity factors. The toes are vital in correct walking or running. There are at least six sets of small muscles that control each toe. If there is an imbalance in the foot, these smaller muscles can be overpowered by larger lower leg muscles causing hammer toe development over time. br Symptoms br Hammertoes normally affect the second, third and fourth digits but can affect the outside of the fifth toe also. The toe becomes bent in a fixed position with a slow developing callus .Many time it causes pain from shoe rub and callus thickening. If the hammer toe is long standing it's not uncommon to also have pain on the ball of the foot with or without a callus under the painful toe.