What are Lesser Toe Deformities? A Podiatrist Explains the Causes and Treatment
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A podiatrist explains what hammer, mallet and claw toes are, what causes these lesser toe deformities, and how they are treated.
By Sophie McLellan, Co-Owner & Podiatrist, Little Big Feet Podiatry, Brisbane
Key Facts
- What it isHammer, mallet and claw toes: an unwanted bend in one or more of the smaller toes at the joints.
- Most at riskPeople in ill-fitting shoes, and those with injury, arthritis, diabetes or neurological conditions.
- Common symptomsA bent or buckled toe, corns and calluses from rubbing, and pain at the joint or from compensating.
- Primary treatmentRoomy footwear, toe props and sleeves, pressure-relieving shoe modifications and orthotics, with surgery for chronic cases.
What are lesser toe deformities?
Hammer toes, mallet toes and claw toes are all types of toe abnormalities commonly known as lesser toe deformities. Essentially these deformities result in an unwanted bend of the toe/s. They may be caused by a number of factors including ill-fitting footwear, injury, arthritis, neurological conditions, diabetes and more.
Hammer, mallet and claw toes explained
Mallet toes involve flexion of the most distal (end) toe joint. Hammer toes involve the middle toe joint, and claw toes involve all three joints of a single toe.
What problems do lesser toe deformities cause?
Toe deformities can cause several issues for people. Some people will develop corns and calluses, especially if the deformity is rubbing or restricted by footwear, whilst others may experience pain at the joint itself, or secondary pain associated with compensations for the deformity.
How are lesser toe deformities treated?
Podiatrists can help in a number of ways including callus removal, toe props and sleeves, pressure relieving shoe modifications and orthotics. Surgical options are available in chronic cases. These are typically undertaken by orthopaedic or podiatric surgeons.
The Comfort Co Breakdown
Lesser toe deformities, in plainer English
Hammer, mallet and claw toes are deformities causing bent toes and pain. One or more of your smaller toes buckle at a joint instead of lying flat, and the raised part starts to rub inside your shoes.
Why is my toe bending?
Footwear. Tight, shallow or pointed shoes squash the toes into a bent position, and over time that position can stick.
Muscle imbalance and injury. When the small muscles that hold a toe straight get out of balance, or after an injury, the joint can pull into a bend.
Underlying conditions. Arthritis, diabetes and some neurological conditions make these deformities more likely.
What happens if I ignore it?
A bend that starts out flexible can gradually become fixed, and the constant rubbing brings corns, calluses and sore spots. Sorting out the footwear early keeps the toe mobile and comfortable for longer.
Written by The Comfort Co team.
Symptoms, timeline and self-care
Lesser toe deformities tend to creep up slowly, and the shoes you wear make a big difference to how much they bother you.
The tell: a raised, rubbing toe
The obvious sign is a toe that bends up or under at a joint, so the knuckle or tip catches inside the shoe. That pressure often leads to corns or calluses on top of the toe or at the tip, plus soreness at the joint.1
Flexible now, fixed later
Early on, the toe can usually still be straightened by hand, which is when roomy shoes and padding help most. Left to rub in tight shoes, the joint can stiffen into a fixed position, and that is harder to manage without a surgeon.2
What you can do at home
Move into shoes with a deep, roomy toe box and soft uppers, use toe props or gel sleeves to cushion the joint, and keep any corns managed rather than picking at them. A supportive insole can ease pressure across the forefoot too. If the toe is painful or getting rigid, have it assessed.2
The Comfort Co Solutions
First things first, book an appointment with a podiatrist. Once your foot has reached this stage it is worth taking seriously. For now, though, let us get you some relief, because the right pair of shoes does a lot of the work. Here is what to look for.
Roomy toe boxes
With a deformity in place, the priority is not letting it get any worse, so look for shoes that give your toes room to breathe. For women, check out Luna from Mia Vita or a roomy style from Revere. For men, the Hipster from Vitasole is a great shout. If you want the roomiest option going, look at anything from Anodyne, built for diabetic feet so they go above and beyond to avoid any rub. You can also browse the full wide fit collection.
Orthotic-friendly
Orthotics and arch support can do wonders for a lesser toe deformity by steadying the forefoot. Most of the range at The Comfort Co is orthotic friendly, and to be sure, have a look at Revere.
Premium cushioning
Cushioning is the first ingredient in The Comfort Co comfort recipe. Your shoe's cushioning is not just for soft, plush comfort, it is also your main tool for shock absorption, which is a must when a painful toe is doing the walking.
Comfort Co Pro Tip
Treat a fresh corn as a warning light. It usually means a toe is rubbing where the shoe is too tight or too shallow, so size up the toe box before you reach for the corn pads.
Keep Reading
Quick questions
What are the different types of lesser toe deformity?
The three main types are mallet toe, which bends at the end joint of the toe, hammer toe, which bends at the middle joint, and claw toe, which bends at all three joints of a single toe.
What causes hammer, mallet and claw toes?
They can be caused by ill-fitting footwear, injury, arthritis, neurological conditions and diabetes, among other factors. Tight or shallow shoes that hold the toes in a bent position are a common contributor.
Can lesser toe deformities be corrected without surgery?
While the toe is still flexible, roomy footwear, toe props and sleeves, padding and orthotics can ease pressure and keep it comfortable. Surgery is generally reserved for chronic, fixed or painful cases and is done by orthopaedic or podiatric surgeons.
What shoes are best for lesser toe deformities?
Shoes with a deep, roomy toe box, soft uppers and good cushioning give the toes space and reduce rubbing. Orthotic-friendly styles that steady the forefoot help too. Tight, shallow or pointed shoes tend to make things worse.
Why do I get corns with a toe deformity?
A bent toe sits higher or catches inside the shoe, so it rubs against the upper or the ground. That repeated pressure builds corns and calluses, which is usually a sign the toe box is too tight or too shallow.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. Hammertoes. my.clevelandclinic.org
- OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Hammer Toe. orthoinfo.aaos.org