Mallet Toe, Hammer Toe & Claw Toe

Mallet toe, hammer toes and claw toe are three main forms of toe deformities in the foot.

Mallet toe is characterized by the downward bending the third joint of the lesser toe, presenting a mallet-like appearance.

Hammer toe refers to upwards pulling the first joint and downward bending of the second joint of the toe, commonly affecting second and third toe.  This results in high pressure on the ball of the foot. Low-arch feet normally develop hammer toes.

Claw toe is described as upwards pulling the first joint and downward bending of the second and third joint of the toe, usually involving all the lesser toes. More pressure is on the end of the claw toe. Claw toes are commonly seen in high-arched feet.

Risk Factors:

• Muscle imbalance
• Foot type (eg. High arch and low arch)
• Poor footwear

Symptoms include:

• Corns on the top or end of the toe
• Callous on the ball of the feet
• Pain in any joints of the toe

Assessment – The podiatrists at toe-tal will diagnose the condition through a physical examination and biomechanical assessment, and go through all the necessary treatments listed below to help get you back on the right path.

Treatment:

1. Footwear advice/modification – (talk to the podiatrist at toe-tal about what footwear suits your foot best).
2. Wear protective padding on corns and callous
3. Debridement of callous and corns from a health professional (Podiatrist at toe-tal podiatry can deride dead skin safely)
4. Do exercises regularly (eg. Soft tissue extension and intrinsic muscle exercises)
5. Use splints or straps to realign the affected toes (Podiatrist will make customized ones)
6. Orthotics (whether off the shelf, prefabricated or customized)
7. Surgery