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. |
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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 callouses.
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, give us a call at Ortho-Tech for further treatment options (416) 441-9122.
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