Essentially a person is said to have claw toes, if his/her toe is contracted at the middle and end joints.
This can lead to severe pain and pressure.
Caused by the tightening of the ligaments and tendons that curls down the toe joints.
Except for the big toe, other toes can be deformed into a claw toe.
Description / Types A claw toe is a toe that is contracted at the PIP and DIP joints (middle and end joints of the toe), and can lead to pressure and pain.
Ligaments and tendons that have tightened over time cause the toe's joints to curl downwards.
Often there is 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.
This pressure area can cause an increase in skin commonly called a corn.
Unfortunately a claw toe can cause a double corn since two joints are involved, unlike your basic hammertoe.
It is important to remember that claw toes might become a permanent deformity if not treated in time.
Based on the mobility of toe joints, claw toes are classified by flexibility.
They are broadly categorized as flexible and rigid.
In case of a flexible claw toe, the joint has the ability to move and can be manually straightened.
Those with a rigid claw toe, lack the ability to move their toe.
causing pain.
At times, it restricts the toe movement completely and leads to stress on the ball-of-the-foot.
It might cause painful calluses and corns due a mechanism called retro-grade plantar-flexion.
This is when the toes contracts while at the same time the ball of the foot is pressed harder to the ground.
Cause Most people believe that claw toe is a foot deformity caused by wearing shoes that squeeze the toes.
Wearing tight shoes can cause the toe muscles to become unbalanced.
Over a period of time an imbalance can occur that can only be fixed surgically.
They can be caused by shoes with short or high heels worn consistently over time.
Surprisingly claw toes often result from diseases such as diabetes, alcoholism, poor blood flow, spine injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, nerve damage and arthritis (typically rheumatoid).
Bunions pushing the second toe is another common cause.
Treatment There are several types of treatment for claw toe, including surgery.
The most effective treatment seems to be changing the type of footwear worn if no serious medical conditions exist.
Some feet and toe problems arise from the type of shoe you choose to wear.
Make sure that toe area (toe box) is broad and high offering enough space to accommodate the toes.
This will reduce the friction and pressure against the toes.
There are several forefoot products designed to relieve claw toes, hammer toe splints and toe crests.
Such products alleviate the pain by holding down the claw toe.
Gel toe caps or gel toe shield can also be applied to marginalize the friction between toe and shoe, providing cushion and relieving the pain of claw toe.
However, if your pain is unbearable and interferes with your daily activities, it is important to consult a podiatrist.
This can lead to severe pain and pressure.
Caused by the tightening of the ligaments and tendons that curls down the toe joints.
Except for the big toe, other toes can be deformed into a claw toe.
Description / Types A claw toe is a toe that is contracted at the PIP and DIP joints (middle and end joints of the toe), and can lead to pressure and pain.
Ligaments and tendons that have tightened over time cause the toe's joints to curl downwards.
Often there is 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.
This pressure area can cause an increase in skin commonly called a corn.
Unfortunately a claw toe can cause a double corn since two joints are involved, unlike your basic hammertoe.
It is important to remember that claw toes might become a permanent deformity if not treated in time.
Based on the mobility of toe joints, claw toes are classified by flexibility.
They are broadly categorized as flexible and rigid.
In case of a flexible claw toe, the joint has the ability to move and can be manually straightened.
Those with a rigid claw toe, lack the ability to move their toe.
causing pain.
At times, it restricts the toe movement completely and leads to stress on the ball-of-the-foot.
It might cause painful calluses and corns due a mechanism called retro-grade plantar-flexion.
This is when the toes contracts while at the same time the ball of the foot is pressed harder to the ground.
Cause Most people believe that claw toe is a foot deformity caused by wearing shoes that squeeze the toes.
Wearing tight shoes can cause the toe muscles to become unbalanced.
Over a period of time an imbalance can occur that can only be fixed surgically.
They can be caused by shoes with short or high heels worn consistently over time.
Surprisingly claw toes often result from diseases such as diabetes, alcoholism, poor blood flow, spine injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, nerve damage and arthritis (typically rheumatoid).
Bunions pushing the second toe is another common cause.
Treatment There are several types of treatment for claw toe, including surgery.
The most effective treatment seems to be changing the type of footwear worn if no serious medical conditions exist.
Some feet and toe problems arise from the type of shoe you choose to wear.
Make sure that toe area (toe box) is broad and high offering enough space to accommodate the toes.
This will reduce the friction and pressure against the toes.
There are several forefoot products designed to relieve claw toes, hammer toe splints and toe crests.
Such products alleviate the pain by holding down the claw toe.
Gel toe caps or gel toe shield can also be applied to marginalize the friction between toe and shoe, providing cushion and relieving the pain of claw toe.
However, if your pain is unbearable and interferes with your daily activities, it is important to consult a podiatrist.
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