Mallet toe is a common foot condition where the toe bends downward at the joint closest to the tip, causing discomfort and, in some cases, significant pain. For many, the recommended solution is surgery, which can be daunting and inconvenient. However, there are alternative treatments available that can provide relief without the need for invasive procedures. In this post, we explore a successful non-surgical approach to treating mallet toe, based on the experience of one of our patients at Vulcan Performance and Therapy in Birmingham, Alabama.
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One of our patients was diagnosed with mallet toe about a year ago. The initial recommendation from their orthopedic surgeon was surgery, which would have required a lengthy recovery period, including six weeks of not being able to drive. This option was less than ideal for someone with an active lifestyle. Seeking alternatives, the patient turned to physical therapist Sean Hiller at Vulcan Performance, where she embarked on a treatment plan focused on reducing pain and increasing mobility through physical therapy and specific exercises.
With this patient, Dr. Hiller implemented a variety of techniques and tools designed to alleviate the symptoms of mallet toe without surgery. Here’s a summary of the key methods that proved effective in this patient’s recovery:
The first step in the treatment was using toe wraps. These wraps were applied to the affected toe to maintain a more natural position, reducing pain over time. Acting as a mild brace, the wraps provided support while allowing movement, which helped the patient’s body adapt to the corrected position.
To assist in the realignment of the toes, the patient also used a tool called Yoga Toes. These toe separators helped splay the toes apart (spread out the toes), which relieved pressure on the mallet toe and reawakened sensory receptors in the feet. This increased sensory input allowed for better control over toe movements and contractions.
Gentle movements within the pain-free range of motion were recommended. This exercise involved using the fingers to slowly lift the affected toe up and bend it down to just before the point of moderate pain (3 to 4 out of 10 pain scale), helping to maintain and eventually increase flexibility in the joint. This allowed for an increased range of motion prior to attempting any active movements with the foot.
Next, we worked on toe lifts. First, the patient was instructed to splay the toes (spread them out as far as possible), and lift and lower the toes slowly. This helps to differentiate the tendons and wake up the feet.
Another important exercise involved lifting the big toe while keeping the other toes on the ground, and vice versa. This helped build motor control and strength in the muscles supporting the toes, aiding in the correction of mallet toe. In addition, the patient went through raised toe lifts. Starting with her foot on the ground and toes on a raised surface of about an inch (5 pound weight plate, coffee table book, etc.), she then lifted and lowered the toes from this starting point to maximize range of motion.
As the patient progressed, a more advanced brace with a pad under the toe was introduced. This brace further flattened the toe and provided additional support during rehabilitation exercises.
In addition to working with Dr. Hiller at Vulcan Performance, the patient also began Incorporating Pilates into her daily life. This was very beneficial in conjunction with her physical therapy protocol. The focus on controlled movements and stretching helped strengthen the muscles in the feet, reducing pain and improving overall foot health. Exercises targeting the toes, such as lifting all toes together and then isolating the movement of the big toe, played a significant role in the recovery process.
Through consistent use of these techniques, the patient experienced significant improvement. What started as a constant source of pain and discomfort evolved into a manageable condition with little to no pain. Thanks to the tailored treatment plan and the patient’s dedication to their rehabilitation, surgery is no longer a consideration. While surgery is needed in some cases, this patient was able to successfully improve her condition with dedicated physical therapy and time.
Mallet toe can be a painful and frustrating condition, but effective non-surgical options are available. With the right combination of physical therapy, exercises, and tools like YogaToes and toe wraps, many people can find relief and improve their quality of life. If you’re struggling with mallet toe, consider discussing these options with your healthcare provider to see if they might work for you.
If you’re dealing with mallet toe or similar foot issues, there’s no need to rush into surgery. Explore non-surgical alternatives and discover how physical therapy and targeted exercises might help. If you are in the Birmingham, Alabama area, reach out to Vulcan Performance and Therapy for expert guidance and take the first step towards a pain-free life today.