Hammertoes

If your toes are bent in an unusual manner, you likely have a condition known as either hammertoes, mallet toes, or claw toes. These toe deformities all have similarities, including the fact that they can be treated. Your best bet for effective treatment is to address these conditions early, so it’s important to know more about them.

Hammertoes and Related Toe Deformities

There are actually three different, yet closely related, forms of toe deformity that an individual might experience:

• Hammertoes – In this condition, the toe is bent at the middle joint, which causes it to point towards the floor. A hammertoe is most likely to occur in your second toe.
• Mallet Toes – Much like a hammertoe, a mallet toe is also bent downward. The difference is that the bend for this deformity happens at the joint close to the tip of your toe. Mallet toes are also more commonly found in the second toe.
• Claw Toes – Whereas the other two deformities often affect one toe, the claw toe condition will usually be found in all four of the smaller toes. Another key difference is that claw toes have an upwards bend at the metatarsophalangeal joint (where the toes meets the foot), but then they bend down in the other two joints.

These conditions are closely-related and, accordingly, they share several symptoms. The most glaring symptom is that your toes are bent in manners in which they are not intended. Additionally, you will likely experience discomfort and pain while walking and have an increased risk of developing corns or calluses. The heightened risk of corns and calluses stems from the deformed toes rubbing against the insides of shoes and can create problems from individuals who live with diabetes and need to remain vigilant against such conditions.

It is important to note that these conditions, and bunions, are progressive. This means they cannot be undone without the use of surgery. Further, if they will continue to worsen over time if left untreated.