It is important for people experiencing such symptoms to seek medical evaluation.
![claw toes claw toes](https://www.thepodiatrycentre.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Hammer-ToesClawed-Toes.jpg)
Other conservative treatments include using forefoot products designed to relieve claw toes, such as toe crests and hammer toe splints. 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. When choosing a shoe, make sure the toe box (toe area) is high and broad, and can accommodate the claw toes.
![claw toes claw toes](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0011/7958/2517/files/the-difference-mallet-toe-vs-hammer-toe-vs-claw-toe-when-your-toes-stay-bent.jpg)
Arthritis can also lead to many different forefoot deformities, including claw toes.Ĭhanging the type of footwear worn is a very important step in the treatment of claw toes.
![claw toes claw toes](https://sa1s3optim.patientpop.com/assets/images/provider/photos/2191515.jpg)
This results in the joints curling downwards. 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.Ĭlaw toes result from a muscle imbalance, which causes the ligaments and tendons to become unnaturally tight. Movement is very limited and can be extremely painful. This type of claw toe can be straightened manually.Ī rigid claw toe does not have that same ability to move. In a flexible claw toe, the joint has the ability to move. There are two types – flexible and rigid. 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.Ĭlaw toes are classified based on the mobility of the toe joints. Claw toes may occur in any toe, except the big toe. Ligaments and tendons that have tightened cause the toe’s joints to curl downwards. 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.