Lesser Toe Deformity

The lesser (toes 2-5) can become bent at any of the small joints, causing pain and rubbing on shoes. This is frequently due to other foot conditions causing an imbalance of the muscles that hold the position of the toes.

  • Hammer toe: bent at the near joint (PIPJ)

  • Mallet toe: bent at the far joint (DIPJ)

  • Claw toe: bent at both joints

 

This is frequently present in conjunction with bunions and metatarsalgia

Figure 1: different possible lesser toe deformities

Treatment options:

Non operative treatment

  • Modification of shoes  and/or padding the affected area

  • Taping the toes into a more normal position

Operative treatment

  • The primary goal is to realign the bones to remove the prominence and prevent recurrence. This often necessitates fusion of the small joints of the toes.

  • In some cases release of the tight tendons of the toe may be all that is required.

Surgeries performed for lesser toe deformity include:

Every patient’s foot is different and thus your specific case will be assessed and a personalised recommendation will be made.

Figure 2: fusion of the 2nd toe PIP joint (arrow) in conjunction with other forefoot procedures