These are foot deformities where the toe bends instead of lying straight.
Hammer toe is an abnormal bend at the middle toe joint, and mallet toe affects the joint nearest the toenail. They usually occur in the second, third and fourth toes.
Hammer Toe
What Are The Causes?
They can be present at birth but usually develop due to:
- getting older
- traumatic toe injury
- rheumatoid arthritis
- ill-fitting shoes
- bunions
- tightened ligaments or tendons
Mallet toe treatments are available at FootSmart Podiatry
Having a bent toe can cause some people problems. Because the toe joint sticks out, it is more susceptible to shoes rubbing, which can cause blisters, corns and calluses. They can also cause increased stress on the ball of the foot, resulting in pain known as metatarsalgia.
Toe props may help temporarily straighten the toe and shoes with a deep toe box can be more comfortable, but sometimes surgery to straighten them is the best option.