Hammer toes, claw toes and mallet toes are the 3 types of toe deformities involving 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th toes. These may be present at birth or acquired due to ill-fitting or high heel shoe wear. Certain diseases like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or stroke that effect the muscles and nerves of the foot can also cause these deformities. Painful corns can develop over the under surface of the foot and deformed toes can make it difficult to find well-fitting shoes. Initially these deformities are flexible and can be managed without surgery. As they become rigid over time, surgical correction is required. This involves correcting the length and slope of the foot rays with small incisions and restoring the balance of soft tissues around the toes.