|
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.
What is the cause of Claw Toe?
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. Your podiatric
physician/surgeon has been trained specifically and
extensively in the diagnosis and treatment of all manners
of foot conditions. This training encompasses all of the
intricately related systems and structures of the foot and
lower leg including neurological, circulatory, skin, and
the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints,
ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. |
