The claw toe and hammer toe deformities are conditions that are primarily caused by the wearing of footwear that is too tight and fits poorly. In some individuals, these deformities can be congenital or due to other problems.
Claw Toe
Claw toes appear exactly as their name would suggest, like a closed fist. Because of the joint variations of the toes (big toes have two bones, the other toes have three), claw toes cannot occur in the big toe.
Cause
- Claw toes are the result of a muscle imbalance that causes some of the tendons and ligaments to become unnaturally tight. The cause of this imbalance includes rheumatoid arthritis, neuromuscular disorders, or other conditions.
Symptoms
- rigid claw toe has very limited mobility and can be very painful.
- Toe extend upwards from the ball of the feet and then point downwards towards the soles of your feet
- Your toes may also curl down under the foot
Hammer Toe
A hammer toe is classified on the degree of mobility found in the joint itself. There are two types: rigid and flexible. A rigid hammer toe simply does not have much ability to move and even minimal movement can be painful. A flexible hammer toe, however, does have the ability to move and can be straightened manually.
Cause
- Shoe’s that do not fit properly
- Muscle imbalance
- Toe is bend and held in the same position for an extended period of time
Symptoms
- Decreased ability to move
- Toe that is bent at the middle joint and resembling a hammer
- Corns or calluses on top of the toe
- Pain in their toes or feet
- Trouble finding shoes that are comfortable
Diagnosis
- Physical examination where your doctor will determine your diagnosis.
- They will also determine if there is any neurological disorder that is weakening the foot muscles
Treatment
Non-Operative Claw and Hammer Toe Treatments
Surgery
- Arthroplasty
Risk Factors
- Wearing footwear that is too tight and fits poorly
- Congenital
Prevention
To prevent the formation of a claw or hammer toe, picking the proper footwear is essential. The proper shoe should provide an adequate toe box area that also provides enough room to reduce friction against the toe.
