Hammer, Claw, and Mallet Toes (2024)

FAQs

What is a hammertoe claw toe and mallet toe? ›

What are hammer, claw, and mallet toes? Hammer, claw, and mallet toes are toes that are bent into an odd position. They may look strange or may hurt, or both. These toe problems almost always happen in the four smaller toes, not the big toe.

While wearing a hammer toe corrector can help to alleviate some of the discomfort and pain that is associated with the condition, it, unfortunately, cannot actually correct the hammer toe.

If a hammertoe doesn't receive the proper treatment it can progress from a flexible deformity to a rigid hammertoe. A rigid hammertoe means that the affect toe or toes will not be able to be straightened out. This can lead to persistent pain and discomfort, particularly during activity.

Changing footwear, wearing shoe inserts, and using other devices might relieve the pain and pressure of hammertoe and mallet toe. Surgery can correct the condition and relieve the pressure if these treatments don't work.

Mallet toe treatment can take many forms. Fortunately, most people find relief with conservative treatments. That means they don't need surgery.

We love the YogaToes Gem Stretcher and Separator as our best overall choice for treating hammer toe. Not only is it comfortable and can offer quick relief, but it's also reasonably priced. This product is available as a set (for your left and right foot) and is made in the USA using a tough but flexible BPA-free gel.

If you find that your toes are crowding together, overlapping or bending upward (also known as hammertoe), or if you have bunions, you might consider toe spacers to give them some breathing space. Toes that have been scrunched up in socks and shoes can benefit from a good stretch.

The TenoTac® System restores the anatomy of the toe. The device rebalances the tendons at the bottom of the toe that have become stiff and contracted due to the overpowering soft tissues along the top of the toe.

How can I permanently fix my hammer toe? ›

The most common technique is a surgical release, or lengthening, of the tendons or ligaments that are causing the toe muscles to stay contracted, resulting in the hammertoe. This procedure allows the toe to straighten. A surgeon may also remove a small part of a bone in the joint to ensure the toe can extend fully.

Orthotic Inserts

Orthotic shoe inserts, which are firm but soft, redistribute your body weight more evenly across the bones and joints of the foot. This helps to remove excess stress from the toes, providing pain relief.

Use products that cushion the toe or hold the foot in a more comfortable position, such as moleskin, toe tubes, arch supports, or other shoe inserts (orthotics). These are better for treating a flexible toe, but they can also provide some relief for a fixed toe. Care for any calluses or corns on your feet.

Soaking your feet in warm water for 15-20 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling and pain. Massaging your toes gently to help improve circulation and reduce stiffness. Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles and improve the range of motion in the toes and feet.

You will be able to recognize mallet toe because of the distinctive upward curling of a particular toe. It will seem to be locked into position abnormally, and unable to be straightened out.

The most common cause of hammer toe is wearing short, narrow shoes that are too tight. The toe is forced into a bent position. Muscles and tendons in the toe tighten and become shorter.

If you have claw toe in early stages, your doctor may recommend a splint or tape to hold your toes in correct position. Additional advice: Wear shoes with soft, roomy toe boxes and avoid tight shoes and high-heels. Use your hands to stretch your toes and toe joints toward their normal positions.

Hammertoe deformity is rated under 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, DC 5282. Under this Code, a noncompensable rating is warranted for hammertoe of single toes, and a maximum 10 percent rating is assigned when there is hammertoe of all toes of the foot without claw foot.

You can probably treat your toe joint problem at home. If you start right away, you may be able to avoid surgery. Change your footwear. Choose shoes with roomy toe boxes, low heels, and good arch supports.