Misaligned toes are pathological deviations in the position of one or individual toes. This results in pressure points, pain and ultimately walking disorders. The wrong footwear often contributes to the development of such toe deformities. In some cases, conservative treatment is sufficient, whereas in others, surgical intervention is necessary.
Here you will find further information as well as selected specialists and centers for malpositioned toes.
Misaligned toes, medically known as toe deformities, often affect the big toe, which usually leans towards the other toes. As a result, the neighboring toes can develop so-called hammer or claw toes.
Misalignment of the toes also promotes osteoarthritis, which damages and ultimately destroys the metatarsophalangeal joints. As a result, the toes and feet are only able to move to a limited extent or are painful when walking in the long term.
Toe deformities often occur as a result of an imbalance in the muscles of the feet. This can be caused by incorrect footwear that puts pressure on the toes. Shoes that are too tight or walking on high stiletto heels lead to additional strain on the skeleton of the foot, which encourages toe deformities.
Changes caused by neuromuscular diseases are another cause of toe misalignment. There are also genetic predispositions. For example, people with splayfoot are also more prone to toe misalignment.
There are essentially four toe deformities that are very common:
A hammer toe is a hammer-like flexion that usually affects the second toe. This leads to hyperextension in the metatarsophalangeal joint, causing the toe to bend towards the other toes.
In claw toe, the affected toe is deformed like a claw. Mallet toe refers to a hammer-like change in the end phalanx of the toe. Tailor's bunion affects the little toe.
The symptoms of malaligned toes are mostly of a functional nature. Due to the pressure caused by incorrect footwear or genetic predisposition, the affected toes increasingly bend or change shape. Shoes rub and visible and painful pressure points develop along the altered areas of the toes.
As the disease progresses, patients are often restricted in their ability to walk. Incorrect weight-bearing and relieving posture lead to further changes in the skeletal system. This is accompanied by further pain and changes in the gait pattern.
The diagnosis of toe misalignment is primarily a visual diagnosis. The increasing curvature and change in individual toes is usually easily recognizable as the disease progresses.
To check for joint involvement and to assess the extent of the malalignment, the doctor will take an X-ray.
Toe deformities are usually treated conservatively. In many cases, especially when there are no symptoms, the condition remains untreated. However, if pressure points or pain occur when walking, doctors usually recommend that those affected
to alleviate the symptoms.
Hallux valgus and hammertoes in an older man © Josu Ozkaritz | AdobeStock
In the case of very pronounced deformities, however, surgical correction can provide relief. This is particularly useful for hammertoes and claw toes at an advanced stage.
Doctors treat the misalignment of the toe by
The operation, e.g. for hammer toe, is usually performed on an outpatient basis and under local anesthetic.
However, special care should be taken with patients with diabetes mellitus (diabetes). As diabetes or the high blood sugar level damages the nerves, they have problems perceiving pain and pressure points on the feet.
This can lead to severe symptoms and inflammation as well as wound healing disorders as a result of toe misalignment.
The prognosis of the condition varies greatly depending on the type and severity of the deformity. In the early stages of the disease, physiotherapeutic measures and aids such as comfortable shoes and splints are often sufficient.
In general, however, surgery becomes more likely as the disease progresses and symptoms increase.
In older patients, complete correction of the malpositioned toes is more difficult. Problems with wound healing and other concomitant diseases as well as limited mobility hinder the progress of healing after surgical correction.
The best preventative measures against claw toes and other toe deformities are
Foot and toe misalignments belong in the experienced hands of orthopaedists and specialists in foot surgery. It is best to make sure you have sufficient expertise in the specialist field or actively look for proven specialist clinics and practices.
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
