What is a Mallet toe?

A mallet toe is when one of the lesser toes is stuck in a bent position right at the end, in the final joint of the toe (the DIPJ).

How does it happen?

It can be caused by badly fitting shoes or can occur naturally in some people as the tendons are too tight and pull the toe into a bent position.

What problems does it cause?

Mallet toes are often painful when the tip of the toe rubs on the floor as you walk, they can also cause the nail to grow abnormally.

Non-surgical treatment:

Wearing flat shoes with enough room for your toes is important. Sometimes toe spacers or material toe sleeves can help.

Surgery

Surgery depends on what has caused the problem in the first place. Sometimes the tendons need releasing to allow the toe to sit straight. More often, one of the toe joints needs permanently straightening by ‘fusing’ the joint together.

Sometimes this is done with wires sticking out of the end of the toes but not always.

After surgery

After surgery you should be comfortable and nearly all patients go home on the same day. You will have a bandage on your foot and a special stiff soled shoe to protect the foot while it heals.

For the first 1-2 weeks you will need to keep your foot elevated above your heart at home day and night to keep the swelling down. This reduces pain, reduces the risk of infection and allows the wound to heal.

You will be allowed to walk on the foot from day 1.

At 2 weeks your bandages will come off and the stitches will be removed.

After 6 weeks the stiff soled shoe will come off and any wires will be removed and you can go back into normal shoes.

It is crucial you don’t smoke (including e-cigarettes) or take anti-inflammatories for 6 weeks after the surgery.