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MALLET TOES

A mallet toe exists when the joint at the end of the toe cannot straighten, causing excessive rubbing of the toe against the top of the shoe and on the bottom of the toe.  A corn commonly develops at the top of the toe and a callus at the bottom of the toe.

Other names or similar foot conditions:

• Hammertoe
• Claw toe
• Overlapping toes

Symptoms:

• Pain or discomfort at top and bottom of toe

Signs to look for:

• Toes bent at the most distal toe joint
• Corn on top of toe
• Callus on bottom of toe

Possible Causes:

• Heredity
• Arthritis, systemic or neurological disease
• Aggravated by improperly fitting shoes

Goals:

• Restore balance and support
• Eliminate callusing and corns
• Footwear that moves the foot forward with as little lateral (side to side) movement as possible
• Footwear with an adequate toe box

Solutions:

Arch Supports:

• Bio-Orthotics Winstep or Sundance exercising support with metatarsal lift

• Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support, such as the Bio-Orthotics Journey or Silhouette, for use when shoes cannot accommodate the Winstep or Sundance exercising support

• Extra depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank

• Wear shoes with titanium springs for exercising

Other: 

• Spot stretching with ball and ring stretcher

• Toe cushioning and straightening devices, such as toe separators, toe straighteners, toe gel caps, toe crests, etc.

• Regular callus filing with pumice device (leaving cutting of calluses to a physician only)

• Regular skin care program to include exfoliating and moisturizing

Activities:

Rotate weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or jogging, with non-weight bearing exercising, such as swimming or bicycling

This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care.  The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below.  Copyright 2005 Carole Romig

Sources  Image:  T.  Vacheresse, DPM  Text:  Foot.com, A. Decker, S. Albert, Contemporary Pedorthics, D. Janisse, CPed, Editor, Introduction to Pedorthics