Hammer Toe, Claw and Mallet Toe

Hammertoe, Claw and Mallet Toe

Hammertoe, claw and mallet toe are a type of a foot deformity that occurs because of an imbalance in the muscles, tendons or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, especially on walking.

Rachel Miller is a highly experienced podiatrist who treats many people with hammertoe, claw and mallet toe. Please see below if you want more detailed explanation of hammertoe, claw and mallet toe and their symptoms, causes and treatment.

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Hammertoe, Claw and Mallet Toe

Symptoms of hammertoe, claw and mallet toe

Hammertoe and mallet toe usually occur in the second toe but the third and fourth toes can be affected. In claw toe all the joints tend to be affected.

The smaller toes have three joints: base, middle, and tip –

• hammertoes bends down toward floor at the middle toe joint causing the middle toe joint to rise up
• mallet toe bends down at the joint closest to the tip of the toe
• claw toes bend up at the base, down in the middle, and down again near the tip

Symptoms can include:

• pain
• pressure
• swelling
• redness
• burning
• discomfort

Your toe may be mildly or severely painful and the tip of the toe may be turned down against the shoe which can also help produce corns and calluses.

Causes of hammertoe, claw and mallet toe

Hammertoes and mallet toes are similar disorders and mostly caused by a mechanical or structural deficiency.  Claw toes are often caused by nerve damage due to such conditions as diabetes.

Risk factors for hammertoe, claw and mallet toe include:

• some shoe types
• trauma
• pressure from a bunion
• high arches
• some medical conditions such as diabetes and arthritis
• hammertoe is more likely if the 2^nd toe is longer than the big toe
• an inherited disposition

Treatment of hammertoe, claw and mallet toe

Treatment of hammertoe, claw and mallet can include:

• wearing different shoes, roomier or more comfortable footwear
• an orthotic insole
• tailored exercises to help muscle balance
• ice packs
• certain medications
• taping, padding

An experienced podiatrist can help diagnose your condition and its underlying causes as well as give you footwear advice, aids and preventive methods to prevent pain. A bespoke orthotic insole may be prescribed as part of your treatment plan.

Call the Clinic for an appointment

Rachel Miller is a highly experienced podiatrist specialising in biomechanics and orthotic insoles who sees many patients with hammertoe, claw and mallet toe. Her clinic, Highgate Podiatry, is in Highgate Village, 14 Pond Square, N6 6BA, London.  Clinics are held every Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday. Please contact the clinic for an appointment on 020 8348 5553. For the clinic’s address, map and directions see the Contact page and for information about orthotic insoles and biomechanics see the Biomechanics page.