Mallet Toe
/mælɪt/ /toʊ/
1. [noun] in mallet toe, the joint at the end of the toe buckles. The skin near the toenail tip develops a painful corn that can eventually result in an ulcer. These can be extremely painful. The toe can become red and swollen. Because the second toe is typically the longest, it is the most likely to be affected by mallet toe. Two types of mallet toe exist: Flexible mallet toes are in the developmental stage and the affected toes are still moveable at the joint. Rigid mallet toes are more symptomatic. The tendons tighten and the joints become misaligned and fixed in this position. Symptoms of mallet toe include: Redness and swelling on the affected toe. Corns or calluses. Toe ulcers in diabetic patients. What causes mallet toes? Mallet toe can result from the following: Injury to the toe. Shoes that are too tight. Bone and muscle imbalances. Arthritis
Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17204-mallet-toes
Frequently Asked Questions
How does wearing tight shoes during daily activities influence the development of mallet toe?
Footwear that is too tight creates excess pressure on the toe’s tip joint during regular movements. This constant pressure can gradually lead to a buckling of the joint and cause the skin near the toenail to develop a painful corn.
Why is the second toe more commonly affected by mallet toe?
The second toe is typically the longest, which exposes its tip joint to higher mechanical stress during walking and other activities. This increased stress makes it more prone to the joint buckling and skin changes seen in mallet toe.
How does the distinction between flexible and rigid mallet toe reflect its progression?
In the flexible form, the affected toe still retains some movement at the tip joint, often during early stages. As the condition advances, it transitions to a rigid form where tendons tighten, the joint becomes fixed, and symptoms become more pronounced.