Lesser Toe Disorders

The two most prevalent disorders of the lesser toe are hammer toe and claw toe. A flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint is known as a hammer toe. A claw toe, on the other hand, combines a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint extension deformity with a phalangeal hammer toe. The distinction between the claw toe and the hammer toe fades away in the event of a subsequent hyperextension of the MTP joint. If the toes show callosity, specific care should be given from the tips of the toes to the medial and lateral regions of the joints. When examining toe flexion deformities like the hammer, the location of toe callosities is significant since deformity driven by joint contracture can generate callosities or calluses in any area of the toes with toe malalignment, such as toe deviation. It is essential to examine the factors affecting foot posture when bearing weight. Plain radiography is mainly required to determine the severity of the lesser toe deformity. A lateral view makes it easier to observe how an interphalangeal joint has deformed than an AP (anteroposterior) view. The level of instability in the MTP joint can be assessed by gripping the toe while doing the drawer test. To evaluate joint congruency, the relative length of the metatarsal bone, the existence of degenerative arthritis, and the severity of the deformity, plain radiography should be utilized. Skin keratosis appears in response to pressure and, depending on the cause, may be widespread or restricted to small, isolated areas. Two different forms of corns—hard and soft skin corns—are hyperkeratotic lesions that form in the stratum corneum (horn layer) of the skin. A condition called a bunionette resembles the hallux valgus deformity. The lateral aspect and a small portion of the plantar aspect show signs of the bunionette. During a physical examination, it is essential to focus on the hyperkeratotic lesions close to the fifth metatarsal head. However, palpation should be used to confirm the precise location of tenderness. Finding the exact location of the tenderness is necessary to decide on surgical treatment options. In the case of worsening metatarsalgia, the Freiberg infraction could be ruled out.