- About this resource
- What is podiatry?
- How can a podiatrist help?
- When you should consult a podiatrist
- Foot terminology
- Foot problems
- Categories of foot problem
- The most common foot problems
- Achilles problems
- Ankle problems
- Ball and arch problems
- Common injuries
- Deformities
- Foot diseases
- Heel problems
- Skin and nails
- Toe problems
- Vascular/Nerve problems
- Caring for your feet
- Rare or unusual problems
- Treatments and therapies
- Diagnostic technologies
- Orthotics
- Surgery
- Therapies
- Fitness and feet
- Footwear
- Fun foot facts
- Quick reference
- Useful links
Mallet and claw toes
These are both similar in their causes and treatments to hammertoe. A mallet toe occurs when the joint at the end of the toe can’t straighten, so that the top of the toe rubs against the shoe.
A claw toe bends up at the joint where the toes and the foot meet, and down at the other joints, causing the toe to curl down toward the floor. Like the hammer toe, both conditions are often caused by ill-fitting shoes, as well as genetic factors, and can be treated by similar surgical and non surgical approaches.