It is important to determine and correct the cause of the deformity or the recurrence rate will be high. In general, toe deformities are easier to correct while still flexible. Surgery ranges from minor with a quick recovery to more extensive, depending on the severity and whether or not the deformity is flexible or fixed. Metatarsal pads can be placed behind the metatarsal heads to off-load the painful area. Nonoperative measures include modification of shoe wear, orthotics, toe spacers and toe trainers. The goal of treatment is painless ambulation. It is important to make sure there is not a neurological etiology-especially with claw toes. Patients may also have pain over the top of the toe where it is rubbing the shoe, or at the end of the toe. As the toe starts to subluxate dorsally, it drives the metatarsal head into the bottom of the foot leading to plantar keratosis and painful metatarsalgia with ambulation. They may get significant plantar foot pain from the metatarsal heads. Patients usually begin to complain when the toes start to rub on shoes, making shoe wear difficult. While the names are used somewhat interchangeably, the names are meant to describe which joints have a flexion or extension deformity (see Figure 1). They are extremely prevalent in the population and the causes are multifactorial, ranging from poor fitting shoes to neurologic disorders. Surgery to remove a portion of the bone joint is also often successful in correcting these deformities.Hammer toes, mallet toes and claw toes are in the category of toe disorders that range from minor and asymptomatic to painful and disabling. Silicone toe caps and gel toe shields are also recommended to help eliminate friction between the toe and shoe, while providing lubrication and comfort. These are designed to help hold down the deformed toes and provide much needed relief to the foot. Other treatment options include purchasing foot products specifically designed to relieve claw toes, such as hammer toe splints and toe crests. Select a shoe with a high, broad toe box that provides enough room in the front area to reduce friction against the toes. The proper shoe should provide an adequate toe area to accommodate the claw toes. Proper footwear is perhaps the most important consideration in the treatment of claw and hammer toes. What Are The Treatment Options For A Claw or Hammer Toe? A flexible hammer toe, however, does have the ability to move and can be straightened manually. A rigid hammer toe simply does not have much ability to move and even minimal movement can be painful. Because of the deformity, a rigid claw toe has very limited mobility and can be very painful.Ī hammer toe is classified on the degree of mobility found in the joint itself. The cause of this imbalance includes rheumatoid arthritis, neuromuscular disorders, or other conditions. Claw toes are the result of a muscle imbalance that causes some of the tendons and ligaments to become unnaturally tight. 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. What Are The Symptoms of A Claw or Hammer Toe?Ĭlaw toes appear exactly as their name would suggest, like a closed fist. In some individuals, these deformities can be congenital or due to other problems. 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.
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