Hammertoes and Mallettoes

In balance, the muscles, tendons or ligaments that hold the toe straight can cause hammertoe and mallet toe. A variety of factors can contribute to the development of these deformities, including shoe type, foot structure, trauma, and certain diseases.

Mallet toe affects the joint closest to the toenail, whereas hammertoe affects the middle joint of the toe. These conditions usually affect the second, third, and fourth toes.

Changing your footwear and wearing shoe inserts can help you relieve the pain and pressure of hammertoe and mallet toe. If you have more severe cases, you may need surgery.

Indications

You may have difficulty moving the affected toe or develop blisters and calluses if the affected toe rubs against the inside of your shoes. Hammertoe and mallet toe result from a bend in the joints of one or more of your toes.

Factors that cause

In addition to hammertoes and mallet toes, these conditions have been linked to:

There are some shoes that can cause your toes to curl. High heeled shoes and shoes with a narrow toe box may cause your toes to curl even when you're barefoot.
The possibility of developing hammertoe or mallet toe is increased when you stub, jam or break a toe.
There is an imbalance between the toe muscles, which leads to instability and can result in the toe contracting.

Aspects of risk

Hammertoe and mallet toe can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

It increases with age that hammertoe and mallet toe become prevalent.
The prevalence of mallet toe or hammertoe in women is significantly higher than that in men.
There is a greater risk of hammertoe or mallet toe if the second toe is longer than the big toe.
Foot deformities may be caused by certain diseases, such as arthritis and diabetes. Heredity may also play a role.

Problems

Initially, the tendons of the toe may remain flexible, but eventually they contract and tighten, leading to your toe becoming permanently bent. The raised portion of the toe may rub against your shoes, causing painful corns and calluses.

Preventative measures

It is important to buy shoes that fit properly in order to avoid foot, heel, and ankle problems. Here is what to look for when you buy shoes:

Shoes with pointed toes should have adequate toe room.
You can avoid back problems by wearing low heels.
Shoelaces or straps are more adjustable and roomy.

You can purchase the right shoes by following these additional tips:

Your feet swell throughout the day, so buy shoes at the end of the day.
Measure both feet and buy for the larger foot. Your shoe size might change as you age - especially the width.
Be sure shoes fit before you buy them. After you buy shoes, you should try them on and be sure they are comfortable. If necessary, a shoe repair shop might be able to stretch the shoes in tight spots but it is better if you buy them first.

You can contact our office at 949-588-8833, or visit our website at https://www.ocfootdoctor.com. Our offices are in Laguna Hills, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch, and Costa Mesa.

📲 949-588-8833

🏢 24331 El Toro Rd, Suite 370 Laguna Woods CA 92637

🏢Irvine Medical Arts Building 113 Waterworks Way, Suite 250 Irvine, CA 92618

🌐 https://www.ocfootdoctor.com/

The information contained above is intended for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professionals before starting any new treatment. Health information on this website MUST NOT be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of your doctor.