Lesser toe deformities

This page has been designed to give you the right information about lesser toe deformities and what you can do to help with your symptoms

What is a lesser toe deformity?

There are various types of lesser toe deformities and depending on the shape, we call these hammer, clawed or retracted toes. Lesser toe deformities only affect your smaller toes i.e. not your big toe.

What causes a lesser toe deformity?

Although it’s difficult to be exact when it comes to what causes your toes to change shape, poorly fitting footwear, muscular issues and injuries are considered more common causes. In some cases, the shape or position of your big toe can change how much space your smaller toes have which might cause them to change their own shape/ position.

When it comes to discomfort, if your toes have to sit or work in a different position, they are forced to work differently. This ‘different work’ might cause pressure or rubbing in parts of the toe which might result in hardened skin. Corns and calluses frequently develop around the tips of the toes or on the joints of the smaller toes.

What are the common symptoms?

For some people, a lesser toe issue might mean that one or more than one toe simply changes shape but does not actually cause any problems however, for others common symptoms include

Your toes might become uncomfortable due to their new position and the way they have to work. Areas of pressure or rubbing might mean certain parts of your toes hurt more. It might be that you find your toes uncomfortable when (or after) walking or when wearing certain types of footwear.

Hard skin can form on the top or tips of the toes. Some people find they develop corns between or on the tips of their toes. The hard skin is normally a reaction to protect the skin from areas of rubbing.

Lesser toe deformities get their name from the fact that your smaller toes change shape in response to something. The way your toes may change shape means that they might be called different things such as ‘hammer toe’ or ‘clawed toe’ etc.

If your toe has changed shape, it is likely that the movement that you normally have in it will change too. For most people, this will mean that parts, but maybe not all, of your affected toe will be stiff and might not move as well as your other toes.

Your smaller toes are important for walking and balance and if they are sore or stiff, it could mean that you walk differently.

What can I do to help myself?

There are a number of things you can do to help manage a lesser toe deformity however, one thing that you will not be able to do is change the shape of your toe.

Calm it down

At the moment, there might be a list of things your toes like to do and some things that they are less happy to do. Calming it down simply means looking at the things it doesn’t like and trying to make some adjustments or changes to make it easier for yourself.

For example, you might find that wearing wider shoes with a deeper toe box (more space around toes) or using lace ups/ Velcro shoes to reduce the work your toes have to do might help.

Padding

Some toe issues can be helped by using guards/pads to reduce rubbing or any pressure on the problem area. These can generally be purchased online or at your local pharmacy.

Examples of typical guards/ pads that can be useful include silicone toe sleeves, toe props or a toe separator.

Toe sleeve

Toe Prop

Toe separator

Footwear

Making the right choice with your footwear can be an easy way to help toe issues. A wider toe box (part of the shoe where your toes are) can relieve any pressure or rubbing. Choosing shoes made with softer materials without seams over the painful area can also be of use

Medication

Some people may find they can manage their symptoms without pain relief however, some may feel that they need to use some to help. Discuss any questions about medication with your pharmacist or GP before starting.

Will I need to have surgery on my toe?

Surgery might be an option for some people but it will only be considered if all other options have been explored and exhausted. Surgery, if offered, should performed to help with pain management and is not offered simply to improve the appearance of the foot. You should discuss any thoughts or questions you might have about surgery with your clinician.

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