Methods For Treating Claw Toe

Claw toe, sometimes also called claw foot, is a condition in which the toes are curled inward toward the bottom of the foot. It can occur in any toes except the big toe and frequently occurs in more than one toe at a time. Claw toe may be present from birth or develop later in life. The disorder is believed to be caused by damage to the nerves and can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, diabetes, cerebral palsy, rheumatoid arthritis, or stroke. Some experts believe claw toe develops from imbalances in the foot muscles that lead to an abnormal degree of rigidity in the ligaments and tendons. It may also occur following an injury to the foot or ankle. As with several other foot ailments, women are more commonly affected by claw toe than men, and the disorder is most often diagnosed in individuals over seventy years old. Claw toe can be diagnosed with a physical exam, during which the doctor will move the toes and feet to assess pain, flexibility, and range of motion. Occasionally, x-rays, an ultrasound, or nerve conduction studies may be used to assess severity and plan treatment options.