This falls under ‘lesser toe deformities’, which means changes of toe shape in the four smaller toes on your feet.

What is Mallet Toe?

Mallet toe is the term used to describe when your toe is bent towards the floor at the last joint of your toe.

What does Mallet Toe look like?

The very end of your toe is bent down.

What are the causes of Mallet Toe?

Often, the cause isn’t known, but these may be factors :

• Badly fitting shoes
• Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
• Trauma
• Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
• Neuromuscular conditions
• Peripheral neuropathy leads to muscle imbalance.
• Mallet's toe is often found with other foot issues like bunions.

Signs and symptoms of mallet toe

These might include:

• A bend in the toe at the last joint.
• Pain and discomfort.
• Callouses and corns over the top of the joint. ( A corn is a small lump of hard skin, and a callous is a larger area of thickened skin; these are usually caused by repeated pressure or rubbing on the area.)
  
• Shoes cause discomfort in that toe or area.
• The joint could be red or swollen.
  
• The joints of the toes could become stiff.
• Walking might become more difficult.

What can I do to reduce discomfort?

• Put your feet up! When you get the chance, raise your feet by using something like a footstool.
• Icepacks can help: remember to wrap the icepack in a towel first.
• Good shoes! Choose shoes with a small, cushioned heel, support the arch of your feet, and provide room around your toes.
• Stretches and exercises to strengthen your toes.
• Low-impact exercise like swimming.
  
• Try to maintain a healthy body weight.

What should I avoid?

• Walking barefoot on hard surfaces
• Shoes that don’t provide support and comfort for your feet. Like flip flops, backless shoes, high heels, or shoes that squash your toes.
• Exercise that causes excessive impact on your toes.

What are the treatment options?

Can Mallet Toe be straightened?

Yes, Mallet toe can be straightened, although there is a small chance it might recur. 

Can Mallet Toe be fixed without surgery?

If the toe hasn’t become fixed in its position, it may be possible to treat it without surgery.

Can you have surgery for Mallet Toe?

Yes, surgery can be performed to straighten a mallet toe.

Diagnosis

Visit us for a physical examination to diagnose your foot condition.

Medical scans may be carried out to allow a thorough assessment of your foot bones and joints.

Treatment

A range of treatments is available depending on the nature of your condition. 

It could be that orthodontics like pads, inserts, and suitable footwear will provide the relief and repositioning that your toes require.

Exercises could be recommended to increase the range of movement and strengthen your toes.

Alternatively, surgery could be the best option to straighten your toe.

After a thorough examination, we will recommend the best treatment options for you.