How do you straighten a mallet toe?

Surgical options include:

  1. Arthroplasty: Removing part of the bent toe bone and realigning it.
  2. Tendon release: Cutting a tight toe tendon to allow the toe to lay flat.
  3. Tendon transfer: Moving the tendon in the mallet toe to another part of the foot, to force the toe to straighten.

What causes mallet toe?

Hammertoe and mallet toe are foot deformities that occur due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. The type of shoes you wear, foot structure, trauma and certain disease processes can contribute to the development of these deformities.

What exercises prevent hammer toes?

First stand barefoot on some flat surface and try lifting all the toes off the ground, while making sure that you keep the heel planted. Now bring the toes gently down on the surface one by one, starting with the small and then ending with the big. Repeat the exercise 10 times and then move into the opposite direction.

Can mallet toes be corrected?

Initially, hammer and mallet toes are flexible and can be corrected with simple measures but, if left untreated the toes can become fixed and require surgery. People with hammer toe or mallet toe may also have corns and calluses on the top of the middle joint of the toe or on the tip of the toe.

Can mallet toe reversed?

Fortunately, hammertoe can be reversed. Some simple treatments include: Splinting the toe to keep it straight and to stretch the tendons of the foot. Using over-the-counter pads, cushions or straps to decrease discomfort.

Do toe straighteners work for hammer toes?

A hammer toe orthotic doesn’t straighten the bone the way a splint that’s applied to a broken bone does. This is because the bone itself isn’t broken when you have hammer toe. Rather, the muscles that bend the joint have contracted, causing the bend in your toe.

Are mallet toes genetic?

The deformity may be fixed (rigid), semirigid, or flexible; it may occur unilaterally or bilaterally, and it may be acquired or hereditary. The cause of mallet toe is not clear, but is associated with trauma, arthritis, genetics, and neuromuscular and metabolic diseases.

Can mallet toes be corrected without surgery?

There is no effective nonsurgical treatment that can correct a hammertoe deformity. Patients may find a relief by using shoes with a wide toe box, open-toe shoes, or custom shoes. Exercises of the intrinsic muscles in the foot can promote more muscle balance.

Can you be born with mallet toe?

Although a hammer toe may be present at birth, it usually develops over time due to arthritis or wearing ill-fitting shoes, such as tight, pointed heels. In most cases, a hammer toe condition is treatable.