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
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotics exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotics exercising support
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- Smart footwear, such as heel to toe rockers, negative heel shoes or shoes with titanium springs
- Shoes with stretchable uppers or sides if toes rubbing
- Avoid flip-flops. Only wear sandals with a back and only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand
- Wear heels and pumps minimally
- Only walk barefoot minimally
Other:
- Spot stretching with ball and ring stretcher
- Toe cushioning and straightening devices, such as toe separators, toe straighteners, toe caps, toe crests, etc.
- Regular callus filing with pumice device (leaving cutting of calluses to a physician only)
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 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: T. Vacheresse, DPM Text: Foot.com, A. Decker, S. Albert, Contemporary Pedorthics, D. Janisse, CPed, Editor, Introduction to Pedorthics