What is a Hammer / Claw / Mallet Toe?

Hammer and Claw toes are deformities of the lesser toes (the ones next to the big toe) and are usually cause by tendon or joint imbalances. Living with hammer or claw toes can be difficult as not only can they be painful but they are also unsightly which can cause a loss in confidence when wearing certain types of footwear. Hammer and Claw toes promote the growth of painful corns on the skin overlying the joints which causes them to be particularly uncomfortable to live with.

What causes it?

Hammertoes often develop in association with bunions. As the big toe bends inwards, the pressure shifts to the second toe causing damage to ligaments and buckling of the joints.

Day Case Surgical Correction

The good news is that Mr Jason Nandlal, Consultant Podiatric Surgeon can permanently correct the hammer, mallet or claw toe thus preventing the formation of painful corns on skin overlying these joints. Surgery involves fusion of the deformed joint either with a small implant or surgical pin which is removed after 4-6 weeks. Surgery is undertaken as a day case procedure under local anaesthetic either with or without sedation. It is important to note that you will be asked to cease smoking for 6 weeks prior to your procedure and 8 weeks after to aid the healing process.