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A mallet toe is when the joint at the tip of the toe is bent in a downwards position.
There are two ways to deal with mallet toes--conservatively and surgically.
Conservative treatment revolves around decreasing the inflammation that can occur as a result
of the deformity. Because the toe is bent at the tip of the toe, you often get friction
on the top and at the tip of the toe. There are several pads that you can use to cushion
the area. My favorite are silicone toe caps, which is a piece of silicone that slides directly
over the toe. That works nicely because it protects not only the tip of the toe but the
actual top of the toe. Buttress pads are also a nice way of treating a mallet toe deformity.
A buttress pad slides underneath the toes.
Adequate shoe gear is critical in the treatment of mallet toe deformities. Deep toe box with
a cushioned innersole works very well.
Should you continue to develop pain as a result of your mallet toe, surgical options are available.
When mallet toes typically start, they are flexible in nature. Surgical release of one
of the tendons is possible. As the deformity develops to become more rigid, which will
require an arthroplasty procedure, in which a small portion of bone is removed from the
joint and the toe is held straight with a pin.