Hammertoe and mallet toe

Diagnosis

To diagnose hammertoe or mallet toe, a healthcare professional inspects the foot. X-rays can help show the bones and joints of the feet and toes. But they're not always needed.

Treatment

For toes that can still be straightened, roomier footwear and shoe inserts, called orthotics, or shoe pads might give relief. Inserts, pads or taping can move the toe and ease pressure and pain.

Also, your healthcare professional might suggest exercises to stretch and strengthen toe muscles. These might include using toes to pick up marbles or scrunch a towel.

If these treatments don't help, your healthcare professional might suggest surgery. The surgery can release the tendon that's keeping the toe curled up. Sometimes, the surgeon also removes a piece of bone to straighten the toe.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Good footwear can ease foot pain. Wear low-heeled shoes with a big toe box made of material that has some give to it. Make sure there's a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) of space between your longest toe and the inside tip of the shoe. Having enough space for your toes can help relieve pressure and pain.