Fact Checked
A claw toe deformity is due to poor footwear which is narrow near the toe and causes cramping within the space. Claw toe deformity can also be due to damage of the nerve on the area of the toe due to certain underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus and more likely to occur among alcoholics.
Causes of claw toe
- Claw toe can be due to trauma or injury on the toe or on the area of the ankle while playing sports such as rugby and soccer.
- Some type of surgical procedure on the ankle can cause weakness.
- Claw toe can also be due to excessive consumption of alcohol and by some medical conditions such as diabetes.
- Wearing of ill-fitting shoes
- An inherited muscular disorder such as Charcot-Marie-tooth syndrome where the muscles becomes severely weak including the area of the foot, thus causing the deformity.
- Arthritis where the ligaments found in the foot becomes weak and foot deformities develop including claw toe.
Symptoms
Once claw toe is suspected, you have to assess if any of these signs and symptoms are present.
- The toe is not in its anatomical position.
- The toe is severely stiff and there is difficulty in moving the joint along with severe pain in the toe.
- Sometimes, corns and callus can develop due to the friction between the knuckles that rubs against the footwear.
Treatment and home remedies
- During the initial stages of the condition, place splints or tape in order to keep the toe in its natural position.
- Wear footwear that gives space to the toe, especially those that help in preventing the toe from being cramped.
- Avoid wearing high heels shoes or sandals in order to keep the toes in its natural position.
- If wearing tight fitting shoes, stretch the toes as much as possible in order to help minimize the joint from becoming stiff and stay in its anatomical position.
- Pick up small pieces of articles such as small stones or small pieces of paper using the toes in order to keep the toes flexible.
- Wear pads for the shoe since these are beneficial in minimizing pressure from the toes and also keeps them flexible.
Prevention
Always bear in mind that you can prevent claw toe. With the help of these preventive measures, you can avoid the deformity.
- Treat the condition that caused the claw toe deformity in order to prevent the worsening of the condition.
- Stay within the normal blood sugar level
- Wear the right shoe for the size of the foot and make sure that there is enough space for the toes to avoid cramping.
FACT CHECK
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/claw-toe/