A mallet toe is a deformity of the second, third or fourth toes. In this condition, the toe is abnormally curled due to a bend in the end joint of a toe.
People with mallet toe may develop painful corns or calluses on the top of the end joint of the toe or on the tip of the toe. Finding comfortable shoes may become very difficult, and walking may become painful.
Mallet toe is commonly caused by wearing poor fitting shoes – shoes that are too short or heels that are too high. Under these conditions, your toe may be forced against the front of your shoe, resulting in an unnatural bending of your toe and a hammer-like appearance.
A simple measure of relieving the pain and pressure of Mallet Toe is changing your footwear. However, in more severe case of Mallet Toe, surgery may be needed.
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Investigations
Complications
Treatment
Seeking Advice
Your Family Doctor (GP)
Your Family Doctor will be able to diagnose and help treat your problem. He or she will be able to
- tell you about your problem
- advise you of the best treatment methods
- prescribe you medications
- and if necessary, refer you to Specialists (Consultants) for further treatment