TOE DEFORMITIES AND HOW TO MANAGE THEM

There are three main forms of toe abnormalities in the human foot:

  • Claw toes
  • Hammer toes
  • Mallet toes

Toe deformities are caused by a variety of factors:

  • Associated with a pes cavus deformity resulting from an underlying neurological condition 
  • Genetic.
  • Poorly fitted shoes - usually the result of wearing shoes that are too short. Many people have second toes that are longer than their big toes. If they wear shoes sized to fit the big toe, the second toe has to bend to fit into the shoe - causing mallet toe. High-heeled shoes with pointed toes are also a major cause of claw toes.
  • Bunions
  • Highly arched feet.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Tendon imbalance. When the foot cannot function normally, the tendons may stretch or tighten to compensate, leading to toe deformities.
  • Traumatic injuries of the toes.

These principles are applicable to all three conditions. Treatment of these conditions often includes shoe modifications, appliances, therapeutic exercises and surgical repair. 

Conservative treatments include: 

  • Chiropody.
  • Trimming, or wearing protective padding on, corns and calluses.
  • Wearing supportive custom-made plastic or leather shoe inserts (orthotics) to help relieve pressure on toe deformities.
  • Using splints or small straps to realign the affected toe.
  • Wearing shoes with a wider toe box.
  • Injecting anti-inflammatories to relieve pain and inflammation.
     

Book an assessment with Academy Foot and Orthotics Clinic to have your feet assessed and see which treatment will work best for you!

Brought to you by Doctor John A. Hardy, owner of Toronto's foot clinic, Academy Foot and Orthotics Clinic.

 

PROFESSIONAL FOOT CLINIC

416-465-8737

Toronto, ON Chiropodist Academy Foot and Orthotic

752 BROADVIEW AVENUE Toronto, ON M4K 2P1 

Across from the Broadview Subway | Professional Family Foot Care