Hammertoe and mallet toe

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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

You can avoid many foot, heel and ankle problems with shoes that fit properly. Here's what to look for when buying shoes:

  • Adequate toe room. Avoid shoes with pointed toes.
  • Low heels. Avoiding high heels will help you avoid back problems.
  • Adjustability. Laced shoes are roomier and adjustable.

These additional tips may help you buy the right shoes:

  • Buy shoes at the end of the day. Your feet are smaller in the morning and swell throughout the day.
  • Don't assume your shoe size hasn't changed. As you age, your shoe size may change — especially the width. Measure both feet and buy for the larger foot.
  • Ask for just the right fit. A shoe repair store can stretch shoes in tight spots.
Lifestyle and home remedies
References
  1. Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain, and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1678/0.html. Accessed Jan. 10, 2013.
  2. Hammer toe. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00160. Accessed Jan. 10, 2013.
  3. DeLee JC, et al. DeLee & Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: Principles and Practice. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..X0001-2--TOP&isbn=978-1-4160-3143-7&uniqId=230100505-57. Accessed Jan. 11, 2013.
  4. Malloy A, et al. Mallet toe deformity. Foot and Ankle Clinics of North America. 2011;16:537.
  5. Barbara Woodward Lips Patient Education Center. Selecting footwear for healthier feet. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
DS00480 March 15, 2013

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