Conditions and Care for Hammer Toe
What to look for
Hammer, mallet and claw toes are common and often painful deformities of the feet. All of these conditions can cause painful corns and calluses if they rub on shoes.
Hammer toes are bent down at the middle joint and up at the joint closest to the foot.
Mallet Toes
Mallet toes are bent down at the end joint only.
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Claw Toes
Claw toes are toes that are bent down at both the middle and end joints and bent up at the joint closest to the foot.
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Causes
These conditions are produced by muscle and tendon imbalances that cause the joints to bend. They may range in severity from mild and easily correctable to rigid and fixed.
These problems are most common in females. The high heels and small toe boxes of women's shoes, worn over long periods of time are major contributing factors.
Treatment
Proper shoe fit is the most important factor in treating these conditions.
- Wear shoes with high, wide and long enough toe boxes to avoid direct pressure over the sensitive areas. Soft insoles and soles of the shoe can relieve pressure at the end of the toe. If necessary, an extra-depth shoe can be purchased at a specialty store.
- Cushion pressure spots with pads available at drug or shoe stores.
- Shoe leather can be relaxed over the deformed toe to relieve pressure.
- A special insole (orthotic) may be prescribed to decrease pressure at the end of your toe.
Surgical correction is sometimes indicated and is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
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