Hammertoes and Mallet toes

 

Muscles, tendons, or ligaments can interact to straighten the toes. Hammertoes and mallet toes are foot deformities caused by imbalances in muscles, tendons, or ligaments. The type of shoes worn, foot structure, trauma, and the development of certain diseases may contribute to the development of these deformities.

Hammertoes are abnormal bends in the joints between the toes. The mallet toe affects the joint closest to the toenail. Hammertoes and mallet toes usually occur on the second, third, and fourth toes. Changing shoes or putting on insoles can help reduce the pain and pressure of hammertoes and mallet toes. If the hammertoes and mallet toes are severe, surgery may be required.

What are the symptoms?

Hammertoes and mallet toes are characterized by abnormal bending of the joints of one or more toes. It may be difficult or painful to move the affected toe. Friction between the toes and the inside of the shoe can cause corns and calluses.

When should seek medical attention?

If persistent foot pain affects the ability to walk correctly, please go to the hospital for examination.

What are the causes?

Hammertoes and mallet toes may be related to the following reasons.

Certain shoes. High heels or shoes that are too tight on the toes may squeeze the toes into a space that cannot be straightened. This will cause deformation of the toes for a long time, even barefoot can not straighten the toes.

Trauma. Injuries that affect the toes are more likely to develop into hammertoes and mallet toes.

Abnormal balance of toe muscles. Imbalance can cause instability, which can cause toes to contract.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are the risk factors?

Factors that may increase the risk of hammertoes and mallet toes include:

With age, the risk of hammertoes and mallet toes increases with age;
Gender, women are more likely to have hammertoes and mallet toes than men;
Toe length, if the second toe is longer than the big toe, the risk of hammertoes and mallet toes is higher;
Certain diseases, arthritis and diabetes may make people more susceptible to foot deformities, and genetics may also have an impact.

What are the complications?

At first, hammertoes and mallet toes may still be able to maintain flexibility. But eventually, the tendons of the toes will atrophy, making the toes permanently bent. Shoes will rub against the deformed parts of the hammertoes and mallet toes, causing painful corns or calluses.

How diagnosed?

Doctors can diagnose hammertoes and mallet toes by examining the toes. The doctor may also perform X-rays to further examine the bones and joints of the feet and toes.

How treated?

If the toes can still remain flexible, the doctor may recommend changing to more comfortable shoes and wearing insoles (orthotic insoles) or pads. Inserts or pads can reposition the toes and relieve pressure and pain.

In addition, the doctor may advise the patient to do exercises, such as picking up stones with their toes or crumpling a towel, which can stretch and strengthen the toe muscles. If conservative treatments do not help, then the doctor may recommend surgery to release the tendons that hinder the straightening of the toes. In some cases, the doctor may also remove a bone to straighten the toe.

What do I need to prepare for treatment?

Before the inspection, you can list the inventory records:

Own symptoms, including any symptoms that may seem unrelated;
Key personal information, including major stress, recent life changes, and family medical history;
Drugs and dosages are taken, including vitamins or other supplements;
Questions I want to consult with the doctor.

If possible, ask your relatives and friends to accompany you to the hospital. They can help record more information.
Questions you can ask your doctor about hammertoes and mallet toes include:

What could cause my foot problems?
What are the other possible reasons?
What check do I need?
Is my condition temporary or long-term?
What is the best course of action?
Is there an alternative to the primary treatment you recommend?
Can I have surgery?
What restrictions do I need to follow?
Should I see an expert?

To diagnose hammertoes and mallet toes, the questions a doctor may ask include:

When did the symptoms start?
How severe is the pain?
Where is the pain?
Is there anything that seems to improve symptoms?
Is there anything that seems to worsen the symptoms?
What shoes do you usually wear?
How to self-care for hammertoes and hammertoes?

Wearing suitable shoes may relieve foot pain. Shoes with a spacious and soft toe can help protect the toes. Make sure that the distance between the longest toe and the inside of the shoe is 1.27 cm. Leave enough space for your toes will help relieve stress and pain.

Avoid over-the-counter corn removal products, many of which contain acids that can cause severe skin irritation. Trying to shave or cut corns yourself is also risky. Foot wounds are easily infected and often difficult to treat, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

How to prevent it?

Wearing the right shoes can avoid many foot, ankle, and heel problems. When buying shoes, you should pay attention to the following factors:

Enough toe space to avoid squeezing your feet;
Low-heeled shoes can avoid instep problems;
Shoelaces or shoes with straps are more spacious and adjustable.

In addition, there are some suggestions:

Buying shoes at the end of the day, the feet will swell a little after a day;
Check the size of the shoes. With age, the size of the shoes may change;
Buy suitable shoes and make sure they are comfortable before buying.

 

Related:

How to Deal with Flat feet?

What’s a Plantar Fasciitis?

 

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