Lesser toe deformities, including hammertoes, are common foot conditions that affect the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes. These conditions occur when the joints in the toes become abnormally bent, causing the toe to curl downward or upward.
The most common types of lesser toe deformities include:
Hammertoe: This condition occurs when the middle joint of a toe becomes bent, causing the toe to curl downward. Hammertoes can be caused by tight shoes, foot injuries, or genetic factors.
Claw toe: Claw toe is like hammertoe but affects the second, third, or fourth toe. In this condition, the joint at the base of the toe is bent upward, while the middle joint is bent downward.
Mallet toe: Mallet toe is another type of lesser toe deformity that affects the joint at the tip of the toe. In this condition, the toe is bent downward at the tip, causing it to look like a mallet.
Causes of lesser toe deformities
Lesser toe deformities can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty with walking and wearing shoes.
Symptoms of lesser toe deformities
Symptoms can include:
- Pain or irritation in shoes due to rubbing causing areas of red inflamed skin or blisters
- Development of corns or callous over the tip of the toe, top of the toe or the ball of the foot dependent on the type of deformity
Treatment for lesser toe deformities
Treatment for these conditions depends on the severity of the deformity and may include changing footwear, orthotics and stretching exercises.
Where non-operative measures have failed, surgery may be considered depending on patient’s symptoms and functional difficulties. Treatment aims to restore normal alignment of the joints and to restore the balance between the flexors, extensors and intrinsic.
These options will all be discussed with you in consultation with Dr Singh.
