Hammer Toe, Claw Toe, and Mallet Toe
Hammer Toe, Claw Toe, and Mallet toe are all toe conditions where the toe is no longer straight. Whilst these conditions have similarities, the deformities occur at different joints in the toe causing a different shape.
Hammer Toe: unnatural bending down of the toe at the first joint and up at the 2nd joint and commonly a cause of corn development on the top of the toe.
Claw Toe: unnatural bending down of the toe at both the first and second joints. This results in pressure on the tip of the toe as it hits the ground and top of the toe as it rubs on shoes and commonly causes corns and callus.
Mallet Toe: bending down of the tip of the toe only, often resulting in pressure on the tip of the toe creating callus or corns.
Causes:
- ill-fitting footwear
- trauma
- bunions
- Arthritis and other neurological conditions.
Signs & Symptoms:
- pain when wearing shoes
- bent shape of the toe/s
- stiffness and impaired movement of the toe
- redness and swelling
- corn and callus development
Treatment:
Hammer Toe, Claw Toe, and Mallet Toe are progressive conditions with the aim of treatment to provide symptom management and avoid rigidity. Treatment may consist of:
- corn and callus removal
- extra depth in footwear
- Orthotics. Read more about prescription & prefabricated orthotics.
- wearing well-fitting footwear
- top sleeves or padding
- taping
- referral for surgery
Have more questions?
Contact our team.
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