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Claw Toes
Claw Toes
Definition
A claw toe is a toe that is contracted at the PIP and
DIP joints (middle and end joints in the toe), and can lead to severe
pressure and pain. Ligaments and tendons that have tightened cause the
toe's joints to curl downwards. Claw toes may occur in any toe, except
the big toe. There is often discomfort at the top part of the toe that
is rubbing against the shoe and at the end of the toe that is pressed
against the bottom of the shoe.
Claw toes are classified based on the mobility of the
toe joints. There are two types - flexible and rigid. In a flexible claw
toe, the joint has the ability to move. This type of claw toe can be
straightened manually.
A rigid claw toe does not have that same ability to
move. Movement is very limited and can be extremely painful. This
sometimes causes foot movement to become restricted leading to extra
stress at the ball-of-the-foot, and possibly causing pain and the
development of corns and calluses.
Cause
Claw toes result from a muscle imbalance which causes
the ligaments and tendons to become unnaturally tight. This results in
the joints curling downwards. Arthritis can also lead to many different
forefoot deformities, including claw toes.
Treatment and Prevention
Changing the type of footwear worn is a very important
step in the treatment of claw toes. When choosing a shoe, make sure the
toe box (toe area) is high and broad, and can accommodate the claw toes.
A shoe with a high, broad toe box will provide enough room in the
forefoot area so that there is less friction against the toes.
Other conservative treatments include using forefoot
products designed to relieve claw toes, such as toe crests and hammer
toe splints. These devices will help hold down the claw toe and provide
relief to the forefoot. Gel toe shields and gel toe caps are also
recommended to eliminate friction between the shoe and the toe, while
providing comfort and lubrication.
If the problem persists, consult your foot doctor
Foot Health Information Provided By:
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