Mallet Toes
Definition
A mallet toe is a deformity of the second, third or fourth toes. In this condition, the toe is abnormally curled due to a bend in the end joint of a toe.
People with mallet toe may develop painful corns or calluses on the top of the end joint of the toe or on the tip of the toe. Finding comfortable shoes may become very difficult, and walking may become painful.
Mallet toe is commonly caused by wearing poor fiiting shoes – shoes that are too short or heels that are too high. Under these conditions, your toe may be forced against the front of your shoe, resulting in an unnatural bending of your toe and a hammer-like appearance.
Causes
Many disorders can affect the joints in the toes, causing pain and preventing the foot from functioning as it should. A mallet toe occurs when the joint at the end of the toe cannot straighten. Excessive rubbing of the mallet toe against the top of the shoe can lead to pain and the development of a corn. The tip of the toe is often turned down against the shoe causing pressure and discomfort. Arthritis can also lead to many forefoot deformities including mallet toes.Mallet toes can cause extreme discomfort, and can be aggravated if restrictive or improperly fitting footwear is worn for a prolonged period of time.
The result is a toe that bends upward in the middle and then curls down in a hammer-like or claw-like shape. Your shoes can rub against the raised portion of the toe or toes, causing painful corns or calluses. The bottom of the affected toe can press down, creating the mallet-like appearance of mallet toe.
Less common causes include:
- Problems in foot structure at birth. This may run in families.
- Joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Brain, spinal cord, or nerve injury (especially in the case of claw toe). Examples include stroke, cerebral palsy, and degenerative disc disease.
- Not using your toe. Having to stay in bed for a long period of time may cause muscles to shorten (contractures). This may lead to toe problems.
- Poor blood flow to your feet (peripheral arterial disease).
- Having little or no “feeling” in your feet (peripheral neuropathy). This is common in people with diabetes.
- Injury, such as breaking a toe.
Treatment and Prevention
Any forefoot problems that cause pain or discomfort should be given prompt attention. Ignoring the symptoms can aggravate the condition and lead to a breakdown of tissue, or possibly even infection. Conservative treatment of mallet toes begins with accommodating the deformity. The goal is to relieve pressure, reduce friction, and transfer forces from the sensitive areas.
Shoes with a high and broad toe box (toe area) are recommended for people suffering from forefoot deformities such as mallet toes. This prevents further irritation in the toe area from developing. Other conservative treatment includes forefoot supports such as gel toe caps, gel toe shields and toe crests. Gel forefoot supports provide immediate comfort and relief from common forefoot disorders without drying the skin.
Processing your request, Please wait....
