“Claw, mallet, or hammer toes” are malformations that occur in the “toes” (except the hallux or big toe).

The remaining four toes are made up of three bones (as opposed to the two bones that make up the big toe) and several “joints” (which are the union of two bones).

These deformities develop when the “joints” bend or flex more than normal due to continuous pressure on the toes from wearing inappropriate shoes.

Type of deformities

Mallet fingers

The affected “joint” in “mallet fingers” is the one closest to the fingertip .

Hammertoes

The affected “joint” in “hammer toes” is the middle or intermediate joint.

Claw fingers

In this case, both joints are involved: the joint closest to the fingertip and the joint in the middle of the finger. This type involves hyperextension of the metatarsophalangeal joint and flexion of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints .

These malformations can all occur in the same patient, so that a person can develop “mallet, hammer, and claw fingers” at the same time.

Symptoms

The main symptom of mallet, hammer, and claw toes is deformity, but the patient may not notice the condition because the toes deviate slowly and are not cosmetically noticeable until some time has passed. There are other signs that may alert us to the condition:

• Hard skin and “calluses” on the back or base of the finger.
• “Pulpejo” of the affected toes caused by excessive rubbing with footwear.
• “Inflammation” of the “interphalangeal joints” .
• Pain while playing sports.

• Pain in the area of ​​the ball of the foot , which is bothersome when performing everyday activities such as walking uphill or downhill.

Causes of these deformations

• –Congenital origin. This is one of the causes of these deformities, although it is not as common. In this case, a diagnosis can be made early. The podiatrist will advise the patient on the shoes they should wear ( THERAPEUTIC AND BIOMECHANICAL BOCCIO FOOTWEAR ) and the most appropriate treatment to improve the problem.

• –Improper footwear . Most patients suffer from this deformity due to wearing inappropriate footwear that compresses the toes, such as high-heeled shoes, narrow toe caps, or tight-fitting shoes. This creates an imbalance in the tendons and muscles of the foot, promoting the development of these conditions.

• – Muscle or joint problems . Another cause of "claw toes" stems from muscle or joint problems caused by bunions, hollow feet, flat feet, valgus feet , or injuries that have affected the shape of the bone. These types of feet are the most prone to these conditions.

How is it diagnosed?

• A professional, through a physical diagnosis, can confirm this suspicion of " claw, mallet, or hammer toes" by observing the flexion of the toe . X-rays of the foot are necessary to determine precisely how compromised the "toe joints" are.

A complete biomechanical analysis of the foot's gait is recommended. This way, while the foot is moving, the podiatrist can observe the toe deformity and accurately determine the problem. The foot's anatomy is designed to involuntarily find the best way to adapt to the terrain it treads on.

Treatment

Physiotherapy

Stretching the extensor and flexor muscles is necessary to prevent stiffness of the joints . It is recommended to seek professional help, following their instructions, to prevent the situation from worsening.

Appropriate footwear

Without a doubt, in the early stages of the disease, the best recommendation is to change footwear habits and use “ THERAPEUTIC AND BIOMECHANICAL BOCCIO FOOTWEAR ”, shoes manufactured according to the individual and particular needs of each patient, made with 100% natural, comfortable materials and specially designed for this type of situation.

Silicone orthosis

The use of custom-made silicone orthoses helps correct, mitigate, and slow the progression of the deformity. This treatment is crucial in childhood and adolescence , when deformities are flexible and signs and symptoms can be reduced.

Surgery

Surgical treatment is given in more severe situations, of a "rigid" degree, when good results are not achieved conservatively. Surgery is the definitive solution to these problems, but it is the treating physician who determines its application depending on the case, however, it is necessary to change habits in the style of footwear and use shoes manufactured according to the individual and particular needs of each patient, " THERAPEUTIC AND BIOMECHANICAL BOCCIO FOOTWEAR " , made with 100% natural, comfortable materials and designed especially for this type of patients and thus prevent the situation from repeating or worsening.