Causes Of Hammertoes And Claw Toes

Claw toes are progressive deformities of the toes caused by an imbalance of the muscles in the foot. Hammertoes may cause all four toes to become deformed.

Deformities of the feet cause the toes to stick up at the joints between the toes and the metatarsal, the bone behind the toes. This can cause pain as the tip of the toe digs into the ground or the top of the toes hits the shoes. The middle joint of the toe bends down.

Anatomy

Approximately one-fourth of your body's bones are found in your feet. Each foot has 26 bones: 14 toes, five long toes (metatarsals), and seven tarsals.

Hammertoe or claw toe symptoms

From the ball of the foot, the toes bend upward
You bend your toes downward at the middle joints toward the sole of your shoes.
Top joints of the toes bent downward, curling under the foot
The corn develops over the top of the toe or under the ball of the foot

A Physician's Examination

You will be asked for a complete medical history, asked about your symptoms and how the injury occurred, and a physical examination will be performed to determine whether you have claw toe or hammertoe.

Hammer toe or claw toe treatment

Depending on the severity of the injury, conservative treatment is usually the first step.

The toes should be held in the correct position with a splint or tape
Soft and roomy toe boxes are becoming more common in shoe wear
Exercising your toes by crumpling and releasing a towel
Stretching the toes and joints with your hands
In order to relieve pressure and redistribute weight, orthotics or special foot inserts can be used

Surgery for hammer toes and claw toes

Surgery may be necessary according to the symptoms and severity of hammer toes and claw toes. A surgical procedure is used to strengthen the toes and may require temporary screws or pins to repair deformities. Surgery relieves symptoms and repairs deformities.

Make an appointment

We care about your well-being.

You can contact our office at 949-588-8833, or visit our website at https://www.ocfootdoctor.com. Our offices are in Laguna Hills, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch, and Costa Mesa.

📲 949-588-8833

🏢 24331 El Toro Rd, Suite 370 Laguna Woods CA 92637

🏢Irvine Medical Arts Building 113 Waterworks Way, Suite 250 Irvine, CA 92618

🌐 https://www.ocfootdoctor.com/

The information contained above is intended for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professionals before starting any new treatment. Health information on this website MUST NOT be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of your doctor.