Information
Various Disorders can affect the lesser toes joint including:
- Hammer toes
- Mallet toe
Hammer toes – This is a fixed flexion deformity of the proximal phalanx of the lesser toes (2nd – 5th). Often seen as a secondary presentation to a hallux valgus (bunion). Incidence of 2 – 20% of the population can develop a hammer toe. They may become symptomatic normally as a result of poorly fitting footwear.Corns and callous can develop over the prominent joint and become symptomatic.
Mallet toe– This is referred to as a fixed flexion deformity of the distal phalanx. Often seen as a result of direct pressure from ill fitting shoes. It can often be associated with skin lesions on the tip of the toe and nail damage.
Who to refer:
Anyone regardless of age with pain in the lesser toes joints
Refer urgently anyone with skin breakdown or infection.
Patients who have adjusted their footwear but are still in pain
Who not to refer:
Patients who are undergoing management for this condition with another service.
General Advice
- Appropriate footwear advice
- Advise patient to try protective padding available from pharmacists / online
For Patients
NHS Lothian Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic patient information leaflet: Hammer toe (nhslothian.scot)
