All toes can develop into a hammertoe. When the little toe becomes a hammertoe, however it may appear different from the others. A fifth toe hammertoe twists around so the toenail appears to be on the side of the foot, rather than the top of the foot. This change in position causes the toe to get pressure where it wouldn't otherwise and become painful.

He twisting of a fifth toe hammertoe also often increases the pressure between the fifth and fourth toes, causing a buildup of dead skin, or a soft corn, to form. This becomes quite painful, especially in closed shoes. If the pain becomes too much to handle, surgery can be done to reposition the toe, eliminate the pressure, and remove the soft corn.