From bunions to heel spurs, several ailments can cause foot pain. One of the lesser-known issues is “claw toe,” in which the toes curl over and down to the ground. If you believe you might be dealing with this irregularity, review the guide below before heading to a foot doctor.

What Is Claw Toe?

If you’re dealing with claw toes (otherwise known as “claw foot”), the lower joints of your toes will angle upwards, while the upper joints will point toward the floor. As a result, your toes will form an arch, which resembles a claw.

Sometimes, this condition manifests after ankle injuries or resulting surgeries due to nerve damage or inflammation. It may also be a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, stroke, or cerebral palsy. 

What Issues Does It Cause?

After walking around with the toes in this position, many people experience pain in their toe joints as they press against the front of the shoe. They may also develop calluses or corns as a result of the friction. If you have diabetes and decreased sensitivity, the constant pressure might result in ulcers or an infection.

How Can I Treat It?

If your claw toe is a symptom of another condition, such as diabetes, medications might help. Other conservative treatments include taping the toes or wearing a splint to align the joints. Your specialist may also suggest physical therapy exercises to reduce stiffness in the ligaments.

To avoid putting excess pressure on your toe joints, you should wear shoes with a large, open toe box that hugs the arch of the foot to prevent sliding. In more serious cases, surgery may be necessary. 

If you’re looking for a foot doctor who can treat claw toe, get in touch with St. Peters Foot & Ankle: Samual T. Wood-DPM of St. Charles County, MO. This board-certified podiatrist has over 20 years of experience and treats a wide range of ailments, including diabetic foot pain, arthritis, and malformations. As a Fellow of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, he can also intervene when invasive procedures are necessary. To learn more about their St. Peters and Florissant offices, visit the website. You can also call (636) 720-0190 to schedule an appointment with a foot doctor.