Lesser toe deformities are very common and can alone or associated with deformities of the big toe.  The common terms used are “Hammer toe”, “Claw toe” and “Mallet toe”.

These deformities are more common in women, particularly after the age of 40, but can present in childhood as “curly toes”. In severity they range from mild and easily correctable, to very rigid fixed contractures. The most common complaints are altered appearance and painful callosity formation from rubbing in the shoes.

The treatment depends upon the type and severity of deformity and in the initial stages involves measures such as strapping of the toes, toe protectors and modification of footwear.  If these measures fail then you may require an operation.  Operations differ between children and adults, and generally soft tissue procedures are preferred where possible in children, or when the joints are still flexible.