Description

Hammertoe and mallet toe are foot problems that cause a curvature in a toe or toes of the feet. The use of shoes that do not fit well can cause hammer toe and mallet toe. Other causes are the foot injury and certain diseases, such as diabetes. Often, the cause is not known.

A hammer toe has an unusual bend in the middle joint of a toe. Mallet toe has a bend at the joint closest to the nail of the foot. Hammertoe and mallet toe usually occurs in the second, third, and fourth toes.

The change of footwear, dress shoe, and the use of other devices can relieve the pain and pressure of hammertoe and mallet toe. Surgery can correct the condition and relieve the pressure if these treatments do not work.

Symptoms

Hammertoe and mallet toe have an unusual bend in the joints of one or more of the toes. Other symptoms include:

  • The pain of footwear.
  • Difficulty moving the affected toe or finger.
  • Finger stiffness.
  • The redness and swelling.
  • The growth of corns and calluses rubbing against shoes, or on the ground.

When to see a doctor

Consult a health care provider if you have duration of foot pain that affects your ability to walk.

Causes

Hammertoe and mallet toe have been linked to:

  • Certain shoes. High-heeled shoes or footwear that is too tight in the toe can crowd the toes, so that it does not lie flat. At the time, the toe can stay curled up even when you're not in the shoes.
  • The Trauma. A finger of the foot has been turned off, jammed or broken, you may be more likely to develop hammertoe or mallet toe.
  • Imbalance of the head muscles. If the muscles are not balanced, they can put pressure on the tendons and joints. This imbalance can lead to hammer toe and mallet toe over time.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase the risk of hammertoe and mallet toe include:

  • Sex. Women are more likely to develop hammertoe or mallet toe than men.
  • Certain diseases. Arthritis, and diabetes can increase the risk of foot problems. Genes may also play a role.

Complications

For a time, the toe may still be able to straighten it. But over time, the tendons and joints of a finger on a hammer or mallet toe can be tightened. This can cause the toe to stay bent.

Shoes can rub against the top of the bent toe. The bent position can also lead to excess pressure on the bone from the tip of the toe in place of the fat pad in the toe. This can cause pain from corns or calluses.

Prevention

Shoes that fit well can prevent many foot, heel and ankle problems. Here is what to look for when buying shoes:

  • Enough toe room. Avoid shoes with the tip of your fingers.
  • Low heels. Do not wear high-heeled shoes will help to prevent the toe and back problems.
  • Shoes that fit. Shoes with laces or straps are more spacious and easier to make feel comfortable.

These tips can help you to buy the shoes:

  • The shop at the end of the day. Feet swell as the day goes on.
  • To check the size. Shoe size — especially the width can vary with age. Measure both feet and buy for the larger foot.
  • Buy shoes that fit right away. Make sure that the shoes are comfortable before you buy it. A shoe repair shop may be able to stretch your shoes in small spaces, but it is better to buy to fit.

Diagnosis

To diagnose hammertoe or mallet toe, a health care provider inspects the foot. X-rays can help show the bones and joints of the feet and toes. But they are not always necessary.

Treatment

For toes, which you can still straighten it, the more spacious of footwear and shoe inserts, called orthotics, or pads could give relief. Inserts, pads or tape, you can move your feet and relieve pressure and pain.

Also, your health care provider may recommend exercises to stretch and strengthen your toe muscles. These may include the use of the toes to pick up marbles or the creak of a towel.

If these treatments don't help, your doctor may suggest surgery. The surgery can release the tendon that keep the toe curled up. Sometimes the surgeon also removes a piece of bone to straighten the toe.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Good footwear can relieve foot pain. Wear low heeled shoes with a large toe box of a material that has some give to it. Make sure that there is a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) of space between your longest toe and the inside tip of your shoe. Have enough space for the toes to help relieve the pressure and pain.

Preparing for your appointment

If you are having a problem with your feet, you will likely start by seeing your primary care provider. Or you may be referred to a foot specialist, either a podiatrist or an orthopedist.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

  • Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to their problems in the foot, and when they began.
  • Key personal information, including injuries to the toes.
  • All medications, vitamins or supplements that you take, including over-dose.
  • Questions to ask your health care provider.

For the hammer toe or mallet toe, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What is likely causing my problems in the feet?
  • What are other possible causes?
  • What tests do I need?
  • I am likely to have this condition over time?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • Am I a candidate for surgery? Why?
  • There are restrictions that must be followed?
  • You should see a specialist?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider is likely to ask you questions, such as:

  • How much pain are your feet or toes causing you?
  • Where is the pain exactly?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
  • What kind of shoes you usually wear?
Symptoms and treatment of hammer toe and mallet toe