How do i tell if i have hammer toes?

See below: An examination will reveal the deformity of the toes showing downward bending of the 1st toe joint and contraction at the metatarsal joint.

Doctor diagnosis: You should have a doctor diagnose you, but as an initial discussion, the toes are buckled back and contracted. You can have calluses, corns and pain. You might have early signs of redness at the knuckles of the toes as well as rubbing in your shoes.

A contracted toe: A hammertoe is an abnormal increased contracture or a bending of the toe joint. This most commonly results from a muscle or tendon imbalance which results from the mechanical and structural changes in the foot that may occur over time in some people. This abnormal bending can lead to abnormal pressure distribution causing a potential development of pain, swelling, blistering, and corns.

Bent toe.: People can get hammertoes several different ways, including just an unlucky roll of the genetic dice, but the fundamental result is usually the same: a toe that has drawn back and no longer sits straight or "flat". Sometimes it's only a tendon that holds the toe in that position, other times there's arthritis involved: these tend to be more rigid, and require surgery if you want them corrected.