What is it?
These are deformities of the smaller toes. In a hammer toe the middle joint bends down; in a mallet toe the end joint bends down; and in a claw toe the toe lifts at the base and curls at the other joints.
What causes it?
- An imbalance between the muscles and tendons that move the toe.
- Tight or high-heeled shoes, or crowding from a bunion.
- A long second toe.
- Nerve conditions, diabetes, inflammatory arthritis or injury.
Common symptoms
- Painful corns on the top or tip of the toe.
- Pain and rubbing in shoes.
- Pain under the ball of the foot.
- Toes that become stiff and no longer straighten.
How is it diagnosed?
Your surgeon will check whether the toes are flexible or stiff and look for a cause. X-rays are usually taken.
Things you can do now
- Choose shoes with a deep, roomy toe box
- Use gel toe protectors or sleeves to stop rubbing
- Stretch the toes gently each day
- See a podiatrist for corns and hard skin
Treatment
Treatment is tailored to your individual needs, symptoms and goals. Depending on your situation, it may include roomy, deep-toed shoes, padding, toe protectors or splints, stretching exercises and surgery to release tendons or straighten and fuse the toe joints.
Mr Jeyaseelan will talk you through the options that are right for you at your consultation.
When to see a specialist
- A toe is painful, stiff or rubbing despite footwear changes
- Corns or ulcers keep forming
- You have diabetes and notice sores on the toes
What to expect
Flexible deformities often improve with footwear, padding and exercises. Fixed or painful toes can be straightened surgically, often at the same time as bunion surgery.
Common questions
Where can I see a specialist about hammer, claw & mallet toes in London?
Mr Lucky Jeyaseelan, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who specialises only in the foot and ankle, sees private and insured patients with hammer, claw & mallet toes at Align Orthopaedics on Harley Street, The London Clinic on Devonshire Place, HCA London Bridge Hospital, HCA UK at The Shard, HCA UK City of London on Old Broad Street and The Holly Hospital in Buckhurst Hill, Essex. See all clinic locations or request an appointment.
Do I need a GP referral?
Self-funding patients can book directly, though a GP letter is helpful. Most insurers need a GP referral before they authorise your consultation, so check with yours first.
This information is general and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Your diagnosis and treatment plan will be tailored to you.