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Claw
Toes
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 & 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.
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