Hammertoe and mallet toe

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hammertoe or mallet toe typically requires evaluation by a healthcare professional, such as your primary care physician (PCP) or a podiatrist specializing in foot and ankle issues. The process usually involves:

• Examination of your footwear.
• Assessment of the affected toe’s flexibility.
• Possibly conducting a gait analysis to observe your walking pattern.
• Performing a thorough foot and ankle examination.
• Debriding (removing) any painful skin or nail.
• X-ray imaging of the foot to identify any fractures or abnormalities.

Through these steps, your healthcare provider can determine if there’s additional pressure or stress on the affected toe and decide if further imaging tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis or rule out fractures.

Treatment

Most cases of mallet toe find relief through non-surgical treatments. If the condition is still flexible, your healthcare provider might suggest:

• Gentle exfoliation: Smoothing calluses to alleviate discomfort.
• Toe pads: Placing pads on corns or calluses to reduce pressure.
• Steroid injections: Decreasing inflammation with medical injections.
• Toe stretching: Regularly stretching the toes to maintain flexibility.
• Orthotics: Utilizing specialized shoe inserts to relieve toe pressure.
• Roomy shoes: Opting for footwear with extra toe space.

Foot care for dabetes patients: For individuals with diabetes, proper foot care is crucial. Here are some essential tips:

• Daily foot checks: Inspect feet for any signs of sores or injuries.
• Hygiene maintenance: Keep feet clean and dry to prevent infections.
• Regular nail trimming: Trim toenails regularly to avoid complications.
• Professional assessment: Refrain from self-treating corns or calluses, always seek medical advice.

Possibility of surgery: In cases of severe or rigid mallet toes, conservative treatments may not suffice. Surgical intervention might be necessary to restore joint alignment. Surgical options include:

• Arthroplasty: Removing a portion of the bent toe bone and realigning it.
• Tendon release: Cutting tight toe tendons to facilitate a flat toe position.
• Tendon transfer: Transferring the mallet toe tendon to another foot area to promote straightening.

Remember to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized treatment recommendations.