A 'hammer toe' or 'contracted toe' is a deformity of the proximal Interphalangeal articulations of foot of the second, third, or fourth toe causing it to be permanently bent, resembling a hammer. 'Mallet toe' is a similar condition affecting the distal interphalangeal joint. 'Claw toe' is another similar condition, with dorsiflexion of the proximal phalanx on the lesser Metatarsophalangeal articulations, combined with flexion of both the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints. Claw toe can affect the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes.