Small Toe Deformity
What is a small toe deformity?
All the toes, except the big toe, are known as the small toes. The common small toe deformity patterns are hammer toe, claw toe and mallet toe. They all describe variations of bending deformities affecting the joints in the small toes. The second toe is the toe most commonly affected. A small toe deformity can develop secondary to a bunion, but also occur without a bunion.
A small toe deformity can cause problems. The deformed toe can rub on the inside of your shoes or on the adjacent toes, and then can become reddened and inflamed. Overtime a small deformity can worsen and become stiff.
What are the available treatments for a small toe deformity?
In the first instance simple treatment measures are recommended to try and reduce your symptoms. These can have significant benefit and help avoid having surgery. Listed below are some of the main first line treatments for a small toe deformity but it is not exhaustive.
Appropriate footwear that consists of a deep toe box or soft upper top can reduce rubbing on shoes. Avoid high heels that push the toes down into the front on the shoe.
Toe spacers are soft devices placed between the toes to separate them, to help prevent rubbing, correct some of the deformity and relieve pain. Small pads on the top or under the tip of the toe may be beneficial.
A chiropodist can cut away (pare) the symptomatic corns on the deformed small toe and callouses on the ball of the foot.
If non-operative measures do not provide pain relief, chiropody requires frequent repetition or the small toe deformity impacts on your daily activities, surgery can be considered as a last resort.
The purpose of surgery is to straighten the toe in order to reduce pain. Small toe surgery is not recommended for cosmetic reasons or to avoid problems that are not yet present. The exact surgical procedure is individualised to each patient, it depends on the type of deformity and how stiff the small toe is.
Wellbeing Advice
Patients that have a healthy diet, take regular exercise and refrain from smoking are more likely to experience a quicker recovery with a more successful outcome from their surgery.
If you have any concerns about your general health and well-being (diet, exercise, smoking cessation) you are encouraged to discuss this with your GP, who will be able to provide advice on the options available to you.
We hope this leaflet has answered any questions you might have. If you have any further queries, please feel free to discuss them with any of the medical or nursing staff.
Testimonials
My condition had deteriorated to the point that I was unable to walk for extended periods of time without pain and swelling of the ankle, and I would rarely be able to join in most family activities. The support and guidance provided by Mr Ramasamy were exemplary and enabled me to make a fully informed decision regarding the options available to me. Now, the pain is much more manageable and the stability that the treatment has provided is such that I feel that I regained a significant part of my life and as such my confidence.
I found Mr Ramasamy extremely professional and reassuring. On the day of my procedure I received the most efficient, organised and professional care in my life. Your nurses were the best I have ever experienced. Mr Ramasamy’s team, in theatre made me feel at ease and made the whole procedure more bearable. They go way beyond the extra mile for their patients.
I wanted to share my excellent experiences and compliment Mr Ramasamy and his team. I found him extremely professional and reassured that he understood how much pain I was in. On the day of my procedure, it was the most efficient, organized and professional care I have ever received – from checking into reception to being allocated a bay and taken into theatre – your nurses in the recovery area were the best I have ever received. Mr Ramasay’s team, especially in theatre, made me feel at ease, kept me informed throughout the whole procedure and made the whole procedure more bearable.
Frequently Asked Questions
After your appointment you will be emailed an invoice to be paid within 30 days via a bank transfer.
Our practice is covered by the major healthcare insurance providers. If you have private medical insurance, please contact your insurer to confirm that you are covered for your consultation and imaging appointments and whether you will need a GP referral. Please do this prior to seeing your Consultant. Your insurance company will provide you with an authorisation code which we will need when booking your appointment, along with your policy or membership details. All of this information can be obtained from your insurance company.
Depending on your specific insurance policy you may liable for some of the costs and there may be certain outpatient treatments such as joint injections and blood tests that may not be fully covered by your insurance policy. Please note, even if you are privately insured, you are entirely responsible for all of your consultants’ fees and that the contract you undertake is with your consultant and not your insurance company.
In most cases, your outpatient costs should be covered by your insurance company, but please check as this can vary depending on your individual insurance and excess policy. If you are a self-pay, new appointments are £250 and follow up appointments are £175.
If you have not seen the Consultant previously for this problem, you have a different problem or if it is more than 1 year since your last appointment then please book a new appointment.
If you are claiming through your health insurance, they may require a referral from your GP or therapist before authorising your consultation and treatment. If you are unsure then please call 01908 014 486 or email us on admin@mercuryfootandankle.clinic and one our team will be able to assist you. If you are paying for treatment yourself then you do not need a referral letter.
To arrange an appointment with one of our Consultants, please call 01908 014 486 or email us on admin@mercuryfootandankle.clinic
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