Claw Toes

Claw Toes

Claw toe is a common condition where the toes bend into a position that resembles a claw. It can start at birth or can develop later in your adult life.  It isn’t always a serious issue by itself but eventually it can create discomfort and prohibit you from wearing some of your favorite shoes.

Symptoms

  • Certain toe joints will point upward while others remain bent down.
  • Pain may occur in some cases but not in all.
  • You may develop corns, calluses and/or ulcers on toes that will rub against your shoes.

Claw toes can be confused with hammer toes and while they may have some similar conditions, they are caused by different muscle problems in your foot.

Causes

  • Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes your immune system to attack healthy tissue in your joints and those joints eventually become inflamed and deformed.
  • Diabetes occurs when your body has high levels of blood sugar due to an imbalance of insulin. Nerve damage to your feet is one of the complicated issues that come from diabetes.
  • Strokes can happen when blood stops flowing to an area of your brain due to clots or week vessels. Strokes can also affect your muscles and nerves in your feet.

Your doctor will check for underlying disorders that cause claw toe and keep in mind that early diagnoses is important to prevent more complications.

Treatment

  • Your doctor may put you into a splint or tape them to keep them in the right position.
  • Surgery may be recommended if your toes become inflexible and can’t be taped or splinted.
  • Coordination with other doctors may be required to address the original cause if brought on by disease or disorder.
  • Certain toe exercise may help to keep the toes flexible, like picking up a towel with your toes and repeating the motion a few times a day.
  • Wearing roomy shoes can relieve discomfort. Pads can also take pressure off the ball of your foot which can balance out the pressure on your toes as you walk.

If you feel that you may have symptoms of claw toe and would like to ask our doctor for more information or schedule an appointment to get a clear diagnosis. We have a conveniently located office in Chandler Arizona and can be reached at 480-732-0033. Alan J. Discont at Family Foot and Ankle Care can set your toes straight.