Types of Toe Deformities

When you look at your toes, do they seem a little crooked? Do your toes bend and point inwards, or are they just not as straight as you'd like them to be? In the following pages, we'll go over four different types of toe deformities: claw toes , mallet toes , hammer toes , and curly toes .
We'll discuss how each deformity affects your feet, how it happens, and what treatment options are available.

Claw toe

• Claw toe (hallux valgus) is a condition where the big toe is bent toward the other toes and can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, or numbness. It occurs when there's an imbalance between your muscles and tendons that pull your joints together.
• The toe is bent at the middle joint
• The toe is bent at the end joint
• The toe is bent at both joints

Mallet toe

• This condition is also known as hallux valgus, is a condition in which the second toe is bent at an angle and looks like a mallet. It can be caused by shoes that are too tight or shoes that don't fit properly.
• In some cases, mallet toes can make it difficult to put on shoes and cause pain when walking or running. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to correct the problem
• Mallet toe is when one or more joints in the middle phalanx of your foot bend downward at an angle greater than 90 degrees. This causes the affected part of your foot to look like a mallet--hence its name!

Hammer toe

• Hammer toe is a condition in which the second toe is bent downward and pressed against the first toe. This can happen when your shoes are too small or narrow, which causes your toes to be forced together.
• Hammer toe can also be caused by arthritis, disease or injury to one or both feet.

Curly toe

• A curly toe is a type of toe deformity. It's often caused by a bunion, which causes the big toe to curl under and overlap with other toes. Curly toes can be painful, especially if you're wearing shoes that don't fit well or aren't flexible enough for your feet.

---